“Shortly before 9pm on Thursday the grounded vessel Lysblink Seaways self-floated from the foreshore at Kilchoan,” it confirmed.

“The vessel is now anchored close to the location of the grounding. The salvage team and two salvage vessels remain on scene and the crew remain on board. Further assessments of the vessel will be made at first light on Friday morning.”

The Secretary of State’s Representative for Salvage and Intervention, (SOSREP) is said to be working closely with all the organisations involved and is monitoring the situation.

Late on Wednesday there were reports of a further release of diesel oil from the UK-flagged vessel, but the amount involved was not specified.

UK authorities said an absorbent boom was put in place to cope with the...