THE large cargo ship that ran aground last week on the west coast had to be rescued again.

The 393ft Lysblink Seaways had been anchored off Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, in the western entrance to the Sound of Mull.

But early yesterday morning the increased wind caused the vessel to drag her anchor. The private tugs Forth Jouster and Kingdom of Fife - on scene to assist with the salvage operation - pulled her to safety.

Coastguards said the ship had not been in danger of beaching again but the tow operation was done as a preventative measure.

"A tow line was placed on board and, as per the contingency plan, the Lysblink Seaways was towed back out to sea," said a spokeswoman for the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

"This vessel is stable and at anchor 1.5 miles east of Kilchoan in Mingary Bay with her nine crew on board. No oil sheen has been reported today and salvage work has been progressing well.

"Salvors are making final preparatory for the transfer of fuel oil from the damaged tank to other internal tanks on board the vessel. This fuel will be removed from the Lysblink Seaways when the weather improves.

"This work will need to be completed before the vessel can be towed away from the area for repair."

The Scottish Environment Group are continuing to monitor the operation and have a representative on scene. A Marine Response Centre has been established to assist with the oversight and delivery of counter pollution measures.

The Lysblink Seaways was bound from Belfast to Skogn in Norway, carrying a cargo of waste paper, when it ran aground on Wednesday. It was later refloated.

The SNP's Westminster transport spokesman has called for a coastguard emergency tug to again be stationed in the Minch, following the grounding of the cargo ship.