Weather delays Hoegh Osaka salvage efforts

Tugs have held the ship in position over the past few days as heavy weather has hampered efforts to pump 3,000 tonnes of water from the car decks and adjust the ship's ballast system.

Strong gusts last night have given way to clear weather, and the salvors hope to tend to the ballast system and pump water off the ship over the next 24 hours.

With good weather, the ship's list should be reduced over the next few days, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) stated today. Divers are also hoping to inspect the vessel's hull during the course of the day, as conditions are finally good enough for them to do so.

The Hoegh Osaka was run aground deliberately in early January after developing a serious list on leaving the port of Southampton. The ship is now afloat, still with a significant list, and being held by tugs.