Salvors have begun removing containers from the 4,427-TEU containership "MSC Napoli" (built 1992) which is aground of the UK's southeast coast.

Ship managers Zodiac Marine Agencies confirmed in a statement that work to discharge containers began at about 11:30GMT on Tuesday.

The large crane barge "Bigfoot 1" has begun removing containers from the portside stern position. 15 containers were removed during Tuesday afternoon.

Zodiac said discharged containers will be landed at Portland by a second, shuttle barge, the "Boa Barge 21".

The "MSC Napoli" was carrying 2,318 containers, of which 103 were lost overboard. Some 57 of those containers have now been accounted for.

Simultaneously, the Smit salvage team continues to remove oil from the "MSC Napoli" in an effort to reduce the potential threat to the environment.

Zodiac confirmed that two of the main fuel tanks, No 5 and 6 on the portside, were emptied during Saturday.

Work is now focused on the No 5 starboard fuel tank and salvors are using a water injection system to achieve a satisfactory pumping rate.

As of 08:00GMT on Tuesday some 60% of the ship's fuel, about 2,105 tons, had been transferred from the ship to the tanker "Forth Fisher".

Zodiac said the weather outlook at the scene remains favourable, with good conditions forecast to persist until at least Friday, reports TradeWinds.