Thursday 25th January 2007

From MSC Napoli Response Centre

NAPOLI

Pumping out of oil is continuing and going well. Pump-out is now a 24 hour a day operation, using two pumps. There are up to 20 salvers on board the Napoli. The pumping is on schedule and if the current conditions continue, then it should be completed by early next week

No more containers have been lost from the ship. The two crane barges from Amsterdam are due to arrive on Friday night or Saturday morning. The operation to remove the containers will start as soon as possible, with the aim of pumping out the oil simultaneously.

Work is ongoing to identify submerged containers.

There has been no further loss of oil. Emulsified oil can be seen from the air. 1 tonne of dispersant sprayed by the vessel Valour on 23rd Jan, which has been very effective. The oil will break down and disperse.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch boarded the Napoli yesterday to investigate the cause of the ship's break up.

ONSHORE

East Devon District Council is re-fixing caution signs to footpaths down to the beach from the South West Coastal Path - previous signage has been removed by the public and discarded. The footpath between Beer and Branscombe is closed until further notice.

Access to the beach for people other than the private contractors is prohibited until their operation is completed. Volunteers and other litter picking teams are not allowed access until the private contractor's operation is completed. Lists of volunteers are being kept and volunteers will be contacted if required.

East Devon District Council has been taking any goods of value, found yesterday from their litter picking on the surrounding roads, to the contractor's compound by the beach in Branscombe.

It appears that Ebay has removed from their website all articles for sale as described as coming from the Napoli.

The Branscombe road is closed from the Mason's Arms to the beach, with access only to the contractors and residents. A one way system is in place higher up the road.

540 oiled birds are being treated by the RSPCA.

The cost of the clean up operation on the beaches will be met by the owners of the vessel by their insurance company.