Following the stranding of the container ship Napoli off the south British coast, numerous barriques have been destroyed or pilfered by beach pirates.

The ship, which developed a severe list during a storm off the coast of Cornwall, was also carrying a load of barriques from the French cooper Tonnellerie Boutes, destined for wine estates in South Africa. A minimum of 168 barriques has been destroyed, as they went overboard in their container, and have come into contact with salt water. British television has shown footage of beach pirates rolling away barrels found on shore.