What happened to the Branscombe booty
In January 2007, scavengers swarmed to Branscombe in Devon in search of plunder. But what happened to the booty they took away? A year on, the MSC Napoli still casts a shadow over Branscombe - literally.
Half of its stern, still waiting to be removed by salvagers, is still visible from the shore.
When it ran aground off the coast of Branscombe, the villagers could not have predicted what the wreck would bring them.
Containers washed from the stricken vessel delivered BMW motorbikes, pet food, anti-wrinkle cream, empty wine barrels, copies of the Bible in Xhosa - and a horde of scavengers eager for booty.
Most were disappointed. Only 17 motorbikes - by far the most valuable item of cargo - came ashore, and most beachcombers could only fill their pockets with soggy cosmetics.
But a select few were lucky. Contrary to portrayals of them as lawless looters, the Receiver of Wreck has been informed, as the law requires, of the whereabouts of 13 bikes.
Two undocumented bikes were ...
Engine repairs free ice trawler
A British trawler stuck in Antarctic ice for more than a week has been repaired and is set to resume fishing once its engine warms up, crew say. A US air force plane was called in to drop a piston to the Argos Georgia, with an icebreaker due to deliver extra parts shortly.
A number of British fishermen are among the 25 crew on board the ship, which lost its power in the Ross Sea.
Fish master Shane Jennings said the ship would soon be back up to steam.
He had earlier said he was extremely relieved that they would be able to free themselves, having been stranded since 23 December.
Boring experience
Describing how it felt to be stuck in the remote region, he said: It has been okay - a bit boring for the crew but its just part of the job.
We have just been on watch, keeping an eye on the ice and making sure we are not running into any danger, or watching videos and playing cards.
New Zealand, which is responsible for co-ordinating rescues in the area and has a research base there, ...
