A 330ft cargo ship, the Ice Prince, laden with 5,258 tonnes of sawn timber has a 45 degree list and is drifting in the Channel south of the Devon coast in gale force winds.

It is feared her 313 tonnes of fuel oil will pollute the coast if she sinks.

But beach-combers in the West Country are hoping for a windfall of summer house, decking, and boat shed material.