THE operation to pump water from the stricken Hoegh Osaka has begun.
Salvors trying to right the 51,000-tonne vehicle transporter started pumping water from her lower decks this morning.
The operation, and other ballasting being carried out, has reduced the vessel's list from 52 degrees to 48 degrees.
Work, which had been delayed due to bad weather, finally got underway after divers successfully carried out an inspection of the vessel's hull yesterday.
They concluded that the ship's hull had not been significantly damaged.
Work to pump the estimated 2-3,000 tonnes of water from her lower decks will now continue, as the vessel is held in place by tugs.
When she has been righted, she will be towed back in Southampton, which may take place in the next week.
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