The 13,500-gt Noble Discoverer (built 1996) was drifting in Aleutian bay having wriggled free in windy conditions.

A spokesperson for the coast guard told Reuters it is thought the vessel, part of Shell’s controversial drilling programme in the area, avoided running aground.

She said: "It was extremely close to shore. But the initial indications were that the vessel wasn't actually aground.”

An inspection of the hull has revealed no damage and divers believe there is no issue with the ship’s integrity.

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