The MSC Napoli was again intentionally grounded off the coast of south Devon yesterday, having been refloated on Monday to allow divers to inspect the underside of the hull.

Divers found a three-metre gash in the underside of the ship, which had been towed 500m out into deeper water for the inspection. It is not clear exactly where authorities had planned to take the ship if the hull had been usable.

An MCA spokesman said: ‘She is virtually in two halves and is being held together by her deck plates.”

The grounded hull will be pumped full of water for stability, then it will be the responsibility of the owners, Zodiac Maritime, to dispose of her.