A FULL investigation into the accident that left a trawler marooned on a sandbank in the channel of Fleetwood docks was under way this week.

Docks owner, The Association of British Ports, and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, are conducting two separate investigations.

Fleetwood's dock channel remained blocked this week after the trawler, Grimsby registered Erimo, ran into the Tiger's Tail sandbank just before midnight on November 26.

The pilot and the 13-man Spanish crew on board had to be rescued by the inshore and offshore lifeboats after the vessel showed signs of toppling over as the tide went out. Early attempts by the lifeboat, a Fleetwood pilot boat and a trawler to tow the ship clear were unsuccessful and the incoming tide turned the trawler onto its side.

Plans to use lifting gear were being considered but negotiations were still taking place between the boat's insurers and lifting contractors and it is not yet known when the vessel will be moved. Pictured here are investigators inspecting the hull of the stricken trawler at low tide.

A spokesman for the Liverpool Coastguard said: "Moving the boat is not a simple operation. The pollution risk from diesel has to be considered, although as far as I know all leaks have been plugged so the risk is minimal.

"Vessels entering and leaving the port now have sufficient space to manoeuvre round the trawler providing floats and ropes are moved out of the way but it is still a matter of urgency that the boat is removed," he added.