THE investigation into how the giant Hoegh Osaka transporter carrier ran aground will take many months.

Investigators from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have launched a probe into what caused the stricken vessel to begin to list.

Experts from the Southampton based organisation are gearing up for one of their biggest operations on home shores.

It comes as they launch an investigation into the sinking of the ship in Scotland.

Experts from MAIB are involved in talks with the vessels owners, insurers salvers who are spearheading a mammoth salvage operation.

A spokesman said: “There is a lot of work to be done and our role is to find out how it happened and work with the owners and the crew.

“The importance now is the salvaging and make sure there is no risk posed to the environment.”

He was unable to confirm how long the investigation would take but that other similar ones had taken up to a year.

He added: “It depends on the complexity of things.”

The organisation investigates maritime accidents in Britain and on UK ships around the world.

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the vessel could be “around for quite a long time” as plans to free the vessel are drawn up.

Top-level talks between the vessels owners, Hoegh, salvage firm Svitzer and the Secretary of State's representative for marine salvage are taking place today.

But despite hopes they will be able to come up with a plan today, it is believed the Hoegh Osaka will not be moved for weeks or even months.

A spokesman for the MCA told the Daily Echo: “The operation will be carefully managed.

“They are in meetings all of the day to come up with the best plan.

“It's likely to be around for a while.

“It's probably going to be around for quite a long time, it could be weeks, it could be months.

“At this time of year there could be bad weather which could hamper opportunities.

“It is definitely being done at the correct pace.

“It will be there for as long as it needs to be, it's not causing hazards, it's not in the way and as long as it stays intact it's safe.”