Debris linked to MSC Napoli

A HUGE ‘deadly hazard’ lurking under the sea sparked Sidmouth Lifeboat into action on Tuesday – as debris that washed up on beaches was linked to the MSC Napoli.

Crew from the independent service towed a 40 feet long side wall from a shipping container – it was feared could cause ‘catastrophic’ damage to a boat – to shore at Beer.

Most of the massive section, spotted 150 metres off the coast, was submerged under water.

“This deadly hazard would be difficult to spot at sea, especially in side profile, but the damage to a boat’s hull and propellers from impact would be catastrophic,” said Sidmouth Lifeboat’s Mark Roden.

Lifeboat rescuers had earlier recovered a container door after being scrambled at about 3pm.

“The sections are thought to have risen to the surface, having become detached from a sunken damaged container during recent heavy storms,” said Mr Roden.

“Recovery was made more difficult in that a section had become entangled in mooring buoys just off Beer Beach.”

“At this stage we can only assume that the debris is from the Napoli,” said East Devon District Council (EDDC) spokesperson, who added a large piece of aluminium was also recovered to Beer beach.

“StreetScene officers will be cutting up this debris and taking it to a scrap metal yard,” added the spokesperson.

“They will also be removing a number of plastic car parts.”

More on page 16.