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Stricken container ship refloated Stricken container ship refloated
(about 2 hours later)
The stricken container ship MSC Napoli has been refloated, nearly six months after it was grounded off the south Devon coast.The stricken container ship MSC Napoli has been refloated, nearly six months after it was grounded off the south Devon coast.
The 62,000 tonne vessel floated free a mile off Sidmouth after 58,000 tonnes of water was pumped from her holds.The 62,000 tonne vessel floated free a mile off Sidmouth after 58,000 tonnes of water was pumped from her holds.
The refloating operation began on Monday morning and took just over two hours. The ship has been towed 500m south of its original position where it will be inspected by divers for several days before its next move.
A barge with winches and cranes, along with tugs and an anti-pollution vessel are assisting at sea off Branscombe.
The vessel carrying 2,300 containers was damaged in a storm in January.The vessel carrying 2,300 containers was damaged in a storm in January.
More than 100 containers went overboard and 58 were washed ashore, leading to a scavenging and looting spree. 'Fantastic milestone'
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said earlier that if the operation was successful, the Napoli would be held in Branscombe Bay until a decision was made on its future. A barge with winches and cranes, along with tugs and an anti-pollution vessel are assisting at sea in Branscombe Bay.
A spokesman said the decision had been taken by the Secretary of State's representative, Robin Middleton, after reviewing the condition of the ship and prevailing weather conditions in Lyme Bay. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the decision to refloat the vessel had been made to prevent further deterioration in the structure of the ship and to prevent further damage to the environment.
Containers removed About 1,900 seabirds along the coast were affected after 200 tonnes of oil leaked from the vessel soon after grounding
"The decision to refloat the vessel has been made to prevent further deterioration in the structure of the ship and to prevent further damage to the environment," the spokesman said. Spokesman Fred Caygill told BBC News: "It's a fantastic milestone, everyone here is very relieved.
Looting spree
"After looking at the ship from the same angle over the past six months it's amazing to see it floating free."
Since the decision was made in January to beach the 62,000 tonne vessel, salvors have worked around the clock to remove all of the containers from the stricken ship.Since the decision was made in January to beach the 62,000 tonne vessel, salvors have worked around the clock to remove all of the containers from the stricken ship.
Approximately 150 of them were classed as having potentially hazardous contents.Approximately 150 of them were classed as having potentially hazardous contents.
Of the 200 that went overboard, one contained battery acid and perfumes, and one small gas bottles for car airbags. More than 100 containers went overboard and 58 were washed ashore, leading to a scavenging and looting spree.
Of the containers that went overboard, one contained battery acid and perfumes, and one small gas bottles for car airbags.
Others housed a variety of goods including BMW motorbikes and car parts.Others housed a variety of goods including BMW motorbikes and car parts.