MSC NAPOLI to be refloated
Stricken container ship will be floated off Branscombe in mammoth operation


Late last week, a decision to refloat the `MSC Napoli in a holding position just off the beach at Branscombe early Monday was made by the Secretary of States Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention, Robin Middleton, after the reviewing the condition of the ship and the prevailing weather conditions in Lyme Bay.

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.

Once afloat, the vessel will then be held off Branscombe Beach in its current position awaiting a decision on its final disposal.

It is estimated that it will take about 6 hours for the specialist pumps to pump out the 58,000 tons of water from the beached vessel.

A fair weather window of about three days is required to complete the re-floating operation.

Vessels which will be on scene during the operation to refloat will include

• Big Foot Barge with winches and cranes
• Leading Tug
• Salvage/anti pollution vessel `Union Beaver.
• Workboats Smit Bever and Multra Salvor
• Crewboat `Channel Chieftain
• Dedicated steering tug.

The workboats will be equipped with additional anti pollution gear and with DEFRA approved dispersant. A dedicated fixed wing aerial surveillance aircraft from the MCA will be on scene just prior to the refloat, and during the subsequent operations.

The pump and dive/salvage teams will be configured to allow for works to continue on a 24 hour a day basis during the refloating operation.

A dive survey vessel will also be on scene and following the successful refloat, divers will then conduct a general survey below the waterline by a team from the salvage company. Priority will be given to the area of the vessel surrounding frames 80 to 88 by the dive team.

The results of this dive survey will be utilised by naval architects to further establish the remaining strength in that area. Marine Accident Investigation Branch Inspectors have also been invited to be on board the dive survey vessel to view the on board screens as the survey takes place.

Robin Middleton said

"There will come a time when the MSC Napoli cannot be refloated due to the ravages of wind, weather and time, hence our decision at this time. Once refloated on the early tide Monday, we then intend to hold the vessel off the beach pending a final decision as to its disposal. This has to be viewed as a holding measure to understand the remaining structural integrity of the vessel which will inform our options."

Update: Reports say floating off was completed successfully today (Monday 9th July 2007)