The importance of obtaining adequate insurance has been highlighted these past few days with the wrecking of the cargo ship MSC Napoli off the coast of Devon, England.

The ship was travelling from Belgium to Portugal when it was caught in bad weather.  Fortunately the crew were all rescued but the ship itself suffered damage in the storms.

At least 200 (out of about 2400) of the ship’s 40 foot long containers were lost overboard, some of them have washed up onto nearby beaches to the delight of some locals who have been helping themselves to the contents - automotive parts, babies nappies, perfume, dog food, barrels of wine and even BMW motorcycles!!!

Under UK law people are supposed to report any items they’ve salvaged to the quaintly titled ‘Receiver of Wreck’ within 28 days.  Chances of this happening or of the police following up any/all leads are pretty slim - some goods are already being sold on Ebay!

None of this will be at all amusing to anyone with products in those containers.  There’s not much they can do about the goods themselves if they are lost but you would expect any trader to have arranged adequate insurance (assuming it is their responsibility under the terms of sale). 

Marine cargo insurance covers the risk of damage or loss to your goods when they are in transit.  It covers the goods whether they are being transported by sea, air, rail or road.