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High winds fail to halt Riverdance ferry bid
STRONG winds and high tides will not hamper efforts to salvage the stricken ferry Riverdance.
It is now more than five weeks since the 6,000-ton roll on roll of ferry ran aground on the sands at Anchorshome after being struck by a freak wave in the Irish Sea.
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Hopes are high she can be returned to an upright position this week, despite nightmare weather being predicted today.
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There are severe weather warnings for some parts of the west coast today coupled with a spring tide in excess of nine metres.
But officials from the Coastguard Agency believe they will not cause any worsening in the Riverdance's 90 degree list.
Flotation tanks are now clearly visible on one side of the ferry.
A spokeswoman said: "We are keeping a close eye on the situation at Blackpool.
"Obviously there are going to be some high tides and strong winds.
"We do not however believe that will pose any further problems for the Riverdance. She should not move any further.
"The timetable is still in place for attempts to bring her upright on Thursday."
Despite some reports the Riverdance would be cut up on the sands at Anchorsholme, coastguards and salvage team members are still hopeful she can be towed off in one piece.
A spokeswoman for the coastguard said: "Work on the salvage efforts in going well.
"All the welding onboard is complete.
"It is still the plan to tow her off the sands and the salvage team are confident that can happen."
Met Office officials are expecting the worst of the storms to miss Blackpool, but predict a 20 per cent chance of disruption in North West England as a result of the weather.
People are being urged to stay away from the sea front as strong winds coupled with a high tide could make the area dangerous.
The winds are due to ease across the UK by early on Tuesday.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 31 mph
Wind direction: West
