MSC Flaminia moving in SW direction. Vessel to be escorted by Navy and Air Force.

August 17 afternoon: MSC Flaminia moving in SW direction under tow, convoy was in position 49.05N 019.04W at 01:57 UTC today, at a course 224 deg, sailing some 80 nautical miles during last 24 hours. No news from NSB, though what can they say? That the vessels move deep into the ocean hoping to find there nice quiet area without strong winds and high waves?
Le Monde took an interest in the story (I selfishly assume, not without some reference to my investigation), and came to the same conclusion – there is something very strange on board of the vessel, so strange and so potentially dangerous, that the EU authorities still can’t agree on a refuge permit. Le Monde found out something more exciting than bare speculations – if MSC Flaminia will be permitted to be towed to either Rotterdam or Zeebrugge, she will proceed through English Channel under a very impressive escort of tugs, Navy ships and Air cover. Any doubts yet about some secretive cargo on board of the vessel?
It may not be military or some clandestine something, it may simply be civilian cargo but so dangerous, that MSC, NSB and EU authorities prefer to keep us in the dark, for our own good, of course. Though my guess is, they care not so much for our comfort, as for their own, afraid clients will start asking the carrier some unpleasant questions about the practice of carrying such scary goods next to their harmless family belongings or vintage cars.  
Voytenko Mikhail

Full story with chronology, photos and maps at http://www.odin.tc/2012/mscflaminiaen.asp