A partnership between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Fenland District Council has moved the 'Lagik' salvage operation a step closer. Both organisations are hoping to appoint a salvage contractor before Christmas to push ahead with the work of removing the stranded vessel in the River Nene at Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire. This follows a number of problems in identifying the exact owners of the German vessel and their reluctance to take responsibility for removing it.

Fenland District Council have received a draft contract from Smit Tak, the preferred tender for the salvage operation, but there are still a number of issues that need clarification before a contact can be signed. It is hopeful that this can be resolved before Christmas to allow the salvage operation to begin as soon as possible.

Meanwhile preparatory work is being undertaken along the shoreline, ready for the start of the operation.

The Coastguards main concern is that the diesel inside the vessel is removed as soon as possible.