The grounded cargo ship Lysblink Seaway is leaking diesel oil off the coast of Scotland after it hit rocks in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The 423ft vessel had been travelling to Norway from Belfast when it ran aground north of the Isle of Mull, near Kilchoan at 1.50am.

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Reports from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on Wednesday afternoon said a small leak had been discovered on the starboard side of the ship and that counter-pollution equipment was sent to the scene.

Overnight, diesel oil has continued to leak from the grounded ship, and an absorbent boom has now been put in place to cope with the problem.

A temporary exclusion zone of 100 metres has also been established around the Lysblink Seaway, which is believed to be carrying paper waste.

A total of nine crew were onboard when she became grounded on rocks and RNLI crews were standing by throughout the night, before two tugs were sent to the scene.

An MCA spokesperson said on Thursday: “A team from Svitzer Salvage is currently on board the vessel conducting a detailed damage assessment.

“Initial findings and salvage options will be reported to the Secretary of State’s representative Hugh Shaw and the wider Salvage Control Unit, later this afternoon.”

Two salvage companies, Svitzer and Smit are involved in the recovery operation, along with a team of two – Salvage Master and Naval Architect.