Explosives to split stricken vessel Napoli

LONDON, July 17 (Reuters) Salvagers are to carry out a controlled explosion today to split the stricken container vessel MSC Napoli in two after huge cracks were discovered in its hull, the Maritime Coastguard Agency said.

The ship became holed during storms in January and was deliberately run aground by her crew off Branscombe, Devon, triggering a seaside looting spree when dozens of cargo containers washed up on shore.

Three-metre wide cracks were found in the hull when it was refloated last week, sparking fears it would break up.

Today's operation will focus on cutting the deck plates forward of the accommodation block.

Another operation, to cut the longitudinal joists, will take place tomorrow.

There are concerns that some residual oil will leak from the vessel. About 3,000 tons of fuel oil have already been removed.

A 1,000-metre exclusion zone will be placed around the vessel and coastal paths around Branscombe will be closed.

Salvagers beached the Napoli last Thursday after it was decided the damage was too severe for it to be towed.

REUTERS RJ HT1437