Final work to remove MSC Napoli

Industrial cutting shears are used to dismantle the stern

Work is set to start on cutting up the remains of the stricken cargo ship MSC Napoli off the east Devon coast.

The vessel was grounded off Sidmouth in January after it suffered storm damage sailing from Antwerp to South Africa.

The ship was split in two and its bow towed away for recycling. Cutting gear has been brought in to break the stern up before it is taken away for scrap.

Coastguards are working with the salvors Smit to ensure there is no risk of pollution.

Scavenging spree

Barges are getting in position next to the stern and work is set to start on Thursday.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the operation would be dependant on the weather.

Salvors believe the cargo vessel is too heavy to be lifted intact and needs to be cut into smaller pieces.

The ship was split in two in a series of explosions and the bow towed to the Harland and Wolff shipyard, in Belfast, to be demolished and recycled.

All of the crew were rescued from the ship in January after it was damaged in storms.

The 62,000-ton cargo vessel was carrying about 2,300 containers, of which about 100 went overboard and 58 were washed ashore, leading to a scavenging and looting spree.

The salvage operation has cost more than £50m.