MSC Napoli News

THE SHIP
The condition of the NAPOLI remains stable. 30 International Salvage experts are currently working around the clock on board. The discharge of heavy fuel oil remains a number one priority. Throughout the week this work has progressed well and at 0900 on Friday the 2nd February 2007 3212 m³ had been discharged onto the Tanker Forth Fisher. The oil recovery is currently operating at approximately 15 - 20 m³ per hour and it is anticipated that all 4 of the major fuel tanks will have been completely drained by the weekend. Work to prepare the small service and settlement fuel tanks in the engine room for pumping will be carried out by divers as soon as possible.

THE CARGO
A total of 120 containers have been recovered from the ship as of Friday. Work will continue throughout the hours of daylight targeting specifi c storage locations to continually reduce the stresses on the ships structure. The achievements of the salvage team this week has led to a revision of the risk assessment regarding the vessel and the possibility of the vessel breaking up it is now considered as a ‘very low risk’ even during periods of prolonged severe weather. 71 containers have been discharged into a secure location in Portland Port. The number of lost containers overboard last week has been revised downwards from 103 to 97.No further containers have been lost and good progress has been made by two urvey vessels using side scan sonar to locate and mark a number of sunken containers. The seaborne effort to recover containers beached in inaccessible or dangerous locations along the coast continues. Beach clean up operations progress well and a section of Branscombe beach has been opened up for use by local residence. Regular security and counter pollution patrols are being conducted in key areas by Coastguards, Police Offi cers and contractorsBranscombe is very much open for business and the Devon and Cornwall Police is working closely with the local authorities to ensure a free fl ow of traffi c. The public is being asked to remember that those dealing with the incident need to have free access and everyone is warned not to touch anything washed up, as some items may be hazardous.

THE ENVIRONMENT
There have been no new reports of heavy fuel oil coming from the ship. Environmental monitoring continues and the number of oil seabirds has dropped signifi cantly. Regular Aerial surveillance missions fl own by specialist counter pollution aircraft have report existing patches of oil dispersing and pose no immediate threat to the shoreline.

THE POLICE
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary has set up a Strategic Co-ordinating Group that meets in Police Headquarters Middlemoor. This group provide a multi-agency,strategic, lead to the operations in Devon and Dorset and supports the Maritine Coastguard Agency and the contractors who have the lead on the off shore recovery of the Napoli and its cargo. The Strategic Co-ordinating Group has ensured that effective contingency plans are in place and can be activated if necessary to deal with the ongoing recovery operation. Joining the police on the group are representatives from Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, the Environment Agency, Dorset County Council, Devon Fire and Rescue Service, SW Ambulance Service, the MCA, Napoli owners representative, Government Offi ce South West and the National Trust The overall situation is being constantly monitored and should the situation change, the force has the ability to draft in extra offi cers at short notice.