Wrecked cargo ship Napoli had design flaw

The Napoli, the container ship that was grounded off Devon after spilling cargo on the shore, had a fundamental design flaw, was being sailed too fast and was loaded to the limit, according to a report by the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

The hull of the Napoli, built in South Korea, fractured and the engine room flooded

It 16-year-old vessel pounded heavily into seas with a hull that was not built to withstand the conditions, and poor decisions over handling the vessel were symptomatic of a poorly-regulated industry trying to cut corners.

The MAIB raised concerns about the construction and it led to 1,500 container ships being examined for potential flaws. Twelve were found to be in need of work.

The hull of the Napoli, which was built in South Korea, fractured in the Channel on Jan 18 last year and the engine room flooded. The ship was intentionally grounded in Branscombe Bay.

Zodiac Maritime Agencies, the owner of the Napoli, refused to comment.

Source: Telegraph