Napoli inquiry terms agreed

7:46am Friday 8th February 2008

DEVON County Council has agreed the terms of reference for a public inquiry into the beaching of the MSC Napoli in Lyme Bay last year.

Evidence gathering will begin toward the end of February and everybody is invited to comment via the county council's website, www.devon.gov.uk.

Inquiry Response Packs will also be available at libraries, local government offices, schools and town and parish councils.

Devon County Council chief executive Phil Norrey said: "This is about the genuine issue of the impact of shipping on the coastline of Devon.

"We are looking to conduct the inquiry later this year when the salvage operation will have been substantially completed.

"While there is no doubt that the courageous work of the salvage team prevented a catastrophic pollution incident, there remains a major question as to why the Napoli came to be grounded off the East Devon coast - one of the most environmentally sensitive in the world.

"The focus of the inquiry will be to ensure a similar incident can't happen in future."