Napoli deadline looms for scavengers
19/02/2007 16:47

Scavengers who have been scouring the south west coast for items washed ashore from the stricken MSC Napoli have until Thursday to register their finds.

While some of the containers are believed to contain hazardous materials, many of those washed ashore contain items such as office supplies, electrical appliances, vegetables and expensive motorbikes.

And while the police and coastal authorities have made every effort to stop looters raiding beaches in the hope of coming away with a bargain, thousands of pounds worth of goods have been taken by beachcombers since the ship ran into trouble nearly a month ago.

But now those who have removed items from the beaches, including office supplies and BMW bikes, must declare them or face criminal charges.

The Merchant Shipping Act requires scavengers to declare their finds or risk a £2,500 fine and paying the owner double the value of the item.

However, if the item is declared and the owner does not request it back, the finder is entitled to keep hold of it.

While this won't be very exciting news for those who came away from the beaches of the south west with office supplies and nappies, those who recovered one of 17 BMW bikes washed ashore will be eager to ensure that they give themselves every opportunity of keeping their loot.

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