The cargo ship Lysblink Seaways will be moved to a more sheltered location on Wednesday afternoon as bad weather is expected to hit the area.

The move comes after a successful fuel oil transfer took place earlier in the morning.

Related articles

• Cargo ship self-floats off the coast of Scotland
• Grounded cargo ship leaking diesel oil off Scotland

With turbulent conditions forecast for the next few days, a risk assessment was carried out and the decision made to move the vessel to a safer location.

Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention Hugh Shaw gave the move the go ahead and it’s due to take place at around 2pm.

Lysblink Seaways is currently situated in Mingray Bay 1.5 miles east of Kilchoan Pier and is set to be moved to a safe anchorage in Scallastle Bay.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “It will take between four and a half to five hours to complete the 17 mile journey.

“The temporary exclusion zone of 200 metres will apply to the vessel while she is being moved.

“This decision has the full support of the Scottish Environment Group and Marine Scotland.”

The emergency towing vessel Herakles will remain on standby, but will be released once the cargo ship is in a safe position.

This latest development comes a week after the vessel hit rocks off the coast of Scotland.

It’s not yet known how the ship came to ground in the area, but an investigation into the incident is due to be launched.