Another amazing story/photo combo

Amazing shot of a sinking cargo ship:

French officials said that of the 41,700 tons of merchandise in the ship's 2,400 containers, 1,700 tons were considered dangerous, including battery acid, as well as explosive and flammable material. The containers also hold motorcycles, car parts, oak barrels, and household possessions moving to new homes.

So lots of bad stuff for the environment, and of course it's near some ecologically sensitive area.

But the story wanders into the surreal:

Police patrolled Branscombe beach Monday trying – with limited success – to keep scavengers away from about 40 containers that had washed ashore.

"A couple of hundred people have been on the beach today, taking things away, and there were around the same number last night," said Const. Steve Spearitt.

"Around 15 BMW motorbikes were carried off the beach last night," he said.

BMW motorbikes??????? Okay, I deplore motorbikes in general (sorry, George), but I don't think we're talking about some cheap equipment here, folks ... ( see here for an idea - let's just say that each one is about the same as I paid for my car when I bought it at the dealership!) Not exactly driftwood and seashells we're talking about here ...

Anyway, positive thoughts to all those involved in trying to contain the damage and to save the oil-slicked birds and other creatures.