Natural England

MSC Napoli container ship has been successfully separated with minimal loss of residual heavy oil

The MSC Napoli has now successfully been separated into two pieces. A final cutting demolition charge was detonated just after 1200 BST Friday 20th July 2007.

The bow section is floating satisfactorily and the stern is upright and stable on the seabed. At this time there are no problems anticipated with either half.

Approximately 3-5 tonnes of oil were released during the separation. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have reported that dispersant spraying is not effective and oil is now being recovered by a brush recovery system.

An offshore boom has been placed around the fractured end of the bow to contain leaking oil and a pollution vessel is recovering oil from the stern. It is understood that there is residual oil within the holds in the bow section. These are believed to be secure at this time.

Natural England is fully involved with the Incident Environment Group delivering environmental advice from Dorset. Staff at Peterborough are also on standby should matters deteriorate and further environmental impact be required.