MSC Napoli refloated

MSC Napoli refloated The 4,960-TEU containership MSC Napoli was this morning refloated after spending the last six months or so grounded off England’s Devon Coast.
   The operation to refloat the 62,277-deadweight-ton vessel included pumping 58,000 tons of water from its holds and then towing the ship 500 meters south of its resting ground about one mile off Branscombe Beach in Sidmouth. The ship will undergo inspection by divers over the next few days.
   The decision to refloat the vessel was made to prevent further deterioration in the structure of the ship and to prevent further damage to the environment, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) 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,” said Robin Middleton, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of States Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention, on Sunday.
   “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.”
   The 1991-built ship, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Co. on charter from London-based Zodiac Maritime, started to crack up en route from Antwerp to South Africa amid a severe storm on Jan. 18, and was deliberately beached to avoid it sinking in deep water.