SALVAGE operations from the Napoli were continuing although seabird rescues along the Dorset coast have almost stopped.

Cargo has been lifted off the vessel, fuel pumped out and debris cleared up along the coast, including a lifeboat near West Bay.

RSPCA senior wildlife collection officer Roy Blackburn said it had been nearly a week since their last rescue with many birds dying in the Channel from hypothermia and the effects of the oil which leaked from the ship beached off the Devon-Dorset coast.

Meanwhile the bird cleaning operation at the charity's West Hatch centre near Taunton continues.

Mr Blackburn said that the release of seabirds has been delayed because of the wreck situation and a decision on letting them go is expected to be made in about two to three weeks' time.