This in from the MCA. In their own words. Ed
The vessel remains held in position at anchor on the Alpha Anchorage.
Yesterday, the salvors pumped water for 1-2 hours; there was no discharge of oil. They checked the ballast system. They intend rigging another pump in the lower hold to pump into the ship’s tanks as well as overboard.
However, all salvage activity is highly dependent on the weather, which is forecast to be very poor this week, peaking at 1800 on Wednesday to 0600 Thursday.
The port is considering taking the pilot off the scene because the worsening weather will make it harder to relieve them at the end of shift, subject to discussion with the salvors. Vessel Traffic System contact will be maintained and, if necessary, a pilot could be returned to the scene.
Although it is still some way off, plans for the vessel’s return to dock continue, to ensure the discharge of cargo is done safely and access policed/restricted as appropriate.
We will issue a further update tomorrow.
Image: © HM Coastguard
