Spanish media reported that the 6,050-dwt Abis Calais (built 2011) was disabled seven miles from Cape Prior on Monday morning.

Three ships managed the reach the vessel the next day, but a tow line snapped two miles from land.

Authorities considered evacuating the eight Dutch, Ukrainian and Filipino crew by helicopter, but they remained on board as another two lines were attached.

The vessel was taken out into open water.

It arrived in Navantia on Wednesday morning after a 10-hour salvage operation.

The ship was bound from Leixoes to Hull with 5,000 tonnes of wood pellets. It is operated by Abis Shipping of the Netherlands.