Attempts to bring a stranded Highland Merchant Navy cadet ashore could be made within days.
Ruaridh Hanna from Beauly is one of four City of Glasgow College cadets who have been stuck aboard the Hanjin Lousiana off Singapore.
The tanker has been unable to enter port after the South Korean shipping firm went into receivership.
An offer to attempt a transfer of the cadets by CMI Offshore failed at the weekend.
It is understood that the attempt did not go ahead because it was deemed making the transfer at sea would be more risky than leaving the cadets on-board the Louisiana.
However, Highland MP Drew Hendry said it is his understanding that work is ongoing to bring the ship into port, possibly as soon as this Wednesday.
The cadets have been placed aboard the Lousiana with international management company Zodiac Maritime.
Mr Hendry said: “The situation for these four Scottish cadets is still very concerning as despite the offer from CMI Offshore to help get the cadets home – they are still at sea.
“CMI Offshore had generously proposed to arrange a ship transfer vessel to get the cadets off and take care of all of the documentation required.
“All that was required was the go-ahead from Zodiac – the company the cadets have been placed with – and the Hanjin company itself.
“Zodiac are reported to have turned down this offer, which would have guaranteed the cadets return however I now believe that there is a proposal for the vessel to dock on the 28th of September.
“The cadets have been let down before when a previous ship transfer arrangement failed to materialise so we must now ensure that this proposed berthing happens.
A spokesman for Zodiac Maritime said: “We are working with the relevant authorities to conclude the ship’s passage as soon as possible, enabling the normal operation of the vessel including any required crew changes.
“In the meantime, we have taken precautions to ensure those onboard are safe and have sufficient supplies of food.”
