zoomHoegh Osaka Alpha Anchorage

More favorable weather conditions in Solent allowed two new water pumps to be deployed on the Hoegh Osaka and its ballast system.

However, no diving took place yesterday who were planning to inspect the hull of the ill-fated car carrier.

The salvor’s helicopter is now on scene. A temporary danger area or air exclusion zone around the ship has been established of 1 mile around and 2000 ft high to facilitate helicopter operations., UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said in an update.

The weather forecast for tonight remains high winds. All precautions are in place to hold the ship during this period, according to the update.

Current expectations are that the weather will permit salvage work to be progressed over the weekend.

The tug that was damaged in the contact incident during the bad weather at the weekend is repaired and back on scene.

“The salvors are confident what with the anchor and three tugs connected the strong winds should not present a problem for holding the ship in place and have extensive contingency plans for any unexpected ship movements,” MCA added.

Up to 3000 tons of water is estimated to be on the vessel. Work to pump this water off started on Thursday.

The agency estimates that it will take up to seven days for salvage work to be completed before car carrier Hoegh Osaka can be moved back to the Port of Southampton.

The vessel self floated at 1.55pm on Wednesday, January 7 at high tide and was towed to a preferred holding position 2 miles east of the original grounding position, close to the area called Spitbank.

The vessel remains held in position at anchor on the Alpha Anchorage.