Sub wreck firm to remove trawler

The Spinningdale got into difficulty three weeks ago

A salvage giant involved in the recovery of a Russian nuclear submarine has been appointed to remove a trawler grounded on Hirta, St Kilda.

Mammoet recovered the wreck of the Kursk, which sank in August 2000 with the loss of 118 crew.

The Dutch company carried out a feasibility study into removing and disposing of the Spinningdale, its cargo, stores and fuel.

The fishing boat became wedged between rocks and cliff three weeks ago.

The crew was airlifted to safety.

Confirming Mammoet's appointment by the vessel's underwriters, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said a scan had shown its hull has been breached.