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Divers examine refloated Napoli Damaged hull of Napoli examined
(about 15 hours later)
Divers are to examine the damaged hull of container ship MSC Napoli which was refloated nearly six months after its grounding off the south Devon coast. Divers have begun to examine the hull of the MSC Napoli which was refloated nearly six months after it was grounded off the south Devon coast.
The 62,000-ton vessel floated free a mile off Sidmouth on Monday after 58,000 tons of water was pumped from her holds in a major operation. The 62,000-ton vessel floated free a mile off Sidmouth after 58,000 tons of water was pumped from her holds in a major operation on Monday morning.
On Tuesday a team of 20 divers will begin inspecting the vessel in deep water to assess cracks to its hull. The two-day inspection is being carried out by a team of 20 divers in deep water to assess cracks to its hull.
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.
See how the MSC Napoli was refloated See how the MSC Napoli was refloated
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) head of counter pollution response Toby Stone said the refloating "has been a success story without a doubt". The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the decision about the Napoli's future would not be taken hastily.
The MCA said it refloated the vessel to prevent further deterioration in the structure of the ship and to prevent further damage to the environment. Spokesman Fred Caygill said: "The dive survey is taking place today and tomorrow, then the results will be computed by naval architects.
About 1,900 seabirds along the coast were affected after 200 tonnes of oil leaked from the vessel soon after grounding. "That could take up to a week and then all the government departments involved will have to agree what to do next."
The MCA refloated the vessel to prevent further deterioration in the structure of the ship and to prevent further damage to the environment.
About 1,900 seabirds along the coast were affected after 200 tons of oil leaked from the vessel soon after grounding.
The cracks in the side of her hull were temporarily repaired while the cargo was removed over several months.The cracks in the side of her hull were temporarily repaired while the cargo was removed over several months.
More than 100 containers went overboard and 58 were washed ashore, leading to a scavenging and looting spree.More than 100 containers went overboard and 58 were washed ashore, leading to a scavenging and looting spree.
Now experts want to assess a crack on the bottom of the hull while MSC Napoli is anchored.
HOW THE MSC NAPOLI WAS REFLOATED MSC Napoli: On Monday, 58,000 tons of water pumped out. More than 2,000 containers and about 4,000 tons fuel already removedBig Foot Barge: Winches/cranes used to lift Napoli from seabedLead tug: Helped turn Napoli and tow it to new position for checksAnti-pollution/support vessels: Dispersant carried by vessels, to tackle remaining pollutants. Supported by spotter planes looking for pollution. Steering tug, workboats and crew boat also present Hull damage: Divers will inspect bottom of hull following refloat. Damage to be assessed and decision on moving Napoli to be takenHOW THE MSC NAPOLI WAS REFLOATED MSC Napoli: On Monday, 58,000 tons of water pumped out. More than 2,000 containers and about 4,000 tons fuel already removedBig Foot Barge: Winches/cranes used to lift Napoli from seabedLead tug: Helped turn Napoli and tow it to new position for checksAnti-pollution/support vessels: Dispersant carried by vessels, to tackle remaining pollutants. Supported by spotter planes looking for pollution. Steering tug, workboats and crew boat also present Hull damage: Divers will inspect bottom of hull following refloat. Damage to be assessed and decision on moving Napoli to be taken
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