We Shall Find Them On The Beaches

When the Italian cargo ship M.S.C. Napoli was critically damaged during a storm off Branscombe beach in southwestern England on Jan. 18, locals waited for the wave of pollution to land on their shore-line.

But instead of an oil slick, the tide threw a more bountiful harvest their way — 40 metal shipping containers packed with everything from BMW motorbikes to bags of dog food and luxury cosmetics. Police were almost powerless to stop thousands of would-be salvagers hauling their beach booty away. Under British law, salvagers can take goods from a wreck for safekeeping, if they declare their finds to the authorities and are willing to eventually hand them back to the rightful owners.

Here are some of the must-grab items on the discerning Branscombe beachcombers' shopping list.

• BMW R1200RT motorbike: $18,000
• BMW automobile gearbox: $5,900
• Timberland boots: $240
• Empty oak wine barrel: $200
• Nike running shoes: $120
• L'Oréal moisturizer for men: $20
• Flip-flops: $10