DIVERS have this morning re-started work on the rescue operation of the stranded Hoegh Osaka.

Teams set out at dawn and plunged into the waters around the 51,000 tonne ship beached on Bramble Bank in the Solent.

Meanwhile salvage teams on board the vessel have been working through the night as they assess the ship's stability and that of its cargo.

It comes as the mammoth mission enters its second day and experts continue drawing up a plan in the hope of re-floating the vessel.

It is being led by Dutch maritime company Svitzer who have flown in some of its most senior and skilled staff especially for the job.

Diving operations are being led by Southampton-based firm Seatech who this morning are at a “technical phase” of the operation to assess damage to the listing vessel.

Meanwhile Williams Shipping, based in Southampton Docks, is running work boats to transfer salvage teams to the ship and is poised to ship out the team's heavy equipment once the refloating begins.

Kit includes pumps, welding sets and heating coils.

The company has been involved since Sunday morning, just hours after the crew were finally rescued.

Director Philip Williams said: “There is a lot of work to so and people have been onboard last night in the hold.

“They've been out there all night and it is a continuous process.

“They are still assessing the cargo.

“We have taken the delivery of three loads of specialist equipment.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is also spearheading the rescue mission and released a statement saying: “The salvage plan is still being developed, situation remains the same.”