EXPERTS have yet to attempt to right the Spanish trawler which ran aground off Fleetwood early last week.

A second vessel, a P&O passenger ferry, also got stuck on sandbanks early last Friday morning.

Investigations into how both the incidents happened are still under way

The Grimsby-registered trawler Erimo got stuck on the Tiger Tail sandbank (pictured) just before midnight on November 26. The 14-strong crew had to be rescued by lifeboat after the vessel began to topple over as the tide went out.

It is believed that six different firms have tendered for the rescue operation which will involve using cranes to right the stricken ship.

Work should begin as soon as a decision is released.

Environmental fears had been raised about the vessel after concern that diesel fuel may leak from the trawler, but no leaks were reported.

The P&O ferry European Pioneer ran aground at around 4.30am on December 1 after leaving Fleetwood for Larne in Northern Ireland.

All 87 passengers remained on board as there was judged to be no danger of sinking or capsizing.

Later that morning, at around 11.30, the ferry was righted by the incoming tide and it sailed off into the Lune Deep channel where it was inspected and found to have suffered no structural damage.s