LONDON – Police officials and the coastguard are fighting a tough battle to stop scavengers from taking off with goods that have been washed ashore from a stricken container ship, the MSC Napoli, some of which are said to include items such as a BMW motorcycle, shoes and wine.
The container ship has been badly leaking oil and with the crew abandoning the ship, the coastguard is making a brave attempt to save as much oil as possible from the initial load of 3,500 tonnes.
Meanwhile police officials have warned that if those who have taken goods from the ship do not declare them, then they could be facing legal action. Forms are being passed out to people in order to declare the goods taken by them to the Receiver of Wreck. The officials added that this process should be completed within a period of 28 days, after which the person could be tried for an offence.
A police spokesman said that while they are unable to stop people from lifting the goods that have been washed ashore, the leaflets will point out the responsibility of the citizens. "We're not stopping people because we've got no powers to do so. The leaflets explain their responsibilities", he said.
Government authorities have said that the pumping of the oil will take at least a week's time to be completed. Robin Middleton, the government's representative for maritime salvage said, "We have two vessels on charter now to receive the oil, and pumping should start today. But this is a very viscous product. It's almost like a sludge, so what they have to do is heat it and remove it slowly. It could probably take the best part of a week".
