The official report into the incident said that while an emergency salvage tug would not have prevented the initial grounding it would have made it possible to secure the vessel more quickly.

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The Isle of Wight-based Carisbrooke Shipping, which owns the vessel, said it was taking "all possible steps" to secure their release.

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The 125m vessel slipped its moorings in high winds but is said to be secure.

BBC: Airbus ship aground - photo by Ray McGowan