The 62000 ton container ship MSC Napoli, sailing from Antwerp (BE) to SInes (PT) began to break up in heavy seas in the English Channel SE of the Lizard, when a large crack opened in the hull, beneath the engine room. Falmouth
Coastguard relayed the call to RNAS Culdrose and the French Navy.
The crew of 26 was rescued by 3 Sea Kings from 771 Sq (including
Rescue 194) and two FN
Super Frelon were in attendance. The 10000 ton Ro-Ro
Birka Carrier was also nearby.
Over 100 containers were lost overboard from the ship before she broke up, many of which washed ashore at Branscombe Beach in Devon. After being cut up by the waves and later, by explosives, the stern was scrapped on the beach and the larger, forward section was towed to
Harland and Wolff for scrapping.