Salvors Pumping Water from H?egh Osaka

Approximately 800 tons of clean water has been pumped from the lower car decks of Höegh Osaka by salvors, Svitzer. The ship continues to be stable with its list reduced to 48 degrees.

An estimated 3,000 tons of excess water is expected to be pumped out during the operation which began on Saturday. Work is continuing, but progress is expected to slow as divers have to reposition the pump to ensure only clean water is discharged.

The vessel is currently secured by tugs off Lee-on-the-Solent. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said divers have carried out a limited inspection of the ship's hull and found "no significant damage".

The 51,000-tonne ship was carrying 1,400 cars and 105 pieces of construction equipment when it was beached deliberately on Bramble Bank sandbank after it began listing on January 3. It floated free on January 7 and was towed to deeper waters.

Höegh Osaka is unlikely to be moved to Southampton Port before Wednesday.