A tug is to make a second attempt to free a German general cargoship stuck high on an Isle of Man beach.

German operator Fehn Ship Management's 1,260-dwt CEG Orbit (built 1989) grounded at high tide at 0215 GMT on 26 August near Cranstal, while en route from Liverpool to Belfast.

The Isle of Man Coastguard said its personnel, along with Harbours Division colleagues, are dealing with the situation.

Efforts by the Laxey Towing Company to move the 64m-metre ship failed on Thursday afternoon.

A second attempt was due to be made at high water on Friday.

A tug from Liverpool has now been called in to help the salvage company pull the vessel free off the shore, the BBC reported.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Man Coastguard said it was a "difficult situation", as the CEG Orbit had first run aground during high water.

Sightseers head for area

A closure order for the beach was put in place on safety grounds.

Some sections have now been reopened to the public, but will be closed again during the second refloating attempt.

A number of locals have headed down to the area to take photographs.

The crew of the CEG Orbit have been unable to leave the vessel due to the Isle of Man's coronavirus entry requirements.

Fehn Ship Management has been contacted for further information.

The vessel has no port state detentions since 2006.