An attempt to rescue a cargo ship which ran aground off the Northumberland coast on Saturday could be postponed because of weather conditions.
The 262ft vessel is currently caught on rocks on the Farne Islands, about three miles from the mainland. Efforts to float the Diano, which is carrying timber, were expected to begin after high tide on 18 March. However, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) have stated that due to worsening weather conditions and tide patterns, the ship could remain stranded for two weeks.
Hugh Shaw, who is overseeing the operation, said specialist equipment was being brought in from around the UK. "It's in everyone's interest to get this done as quickly as we can but we need to make sure we have all the resources we need, rather than rush into it."
The Farne Islands are possibly the most exciting seabird colony in England with unrivalled views of 23 species, including around 37,000 pairs of puffin. It is also home to a large grey seal colony, with more than 1,000 pups born every autumn. However, concerns of environmental damage caused by oil spillages have been eased as no leaks have been reported.
