Repairs are under way on the punctured hull of the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Nottingham, which hit rocks off the coast of Australia.

Expert divers resumed work after bad weather halted the operation to patch up the hull of the ship which was torn open on impact with Wolf's Rock on Sunday.

The Royal Navy said the ship remained at anchor in the lee of Lord Howe Island off eastern Australia

Air conditioning, fuel and basic electricity have been re-established.

Commander Richard Farrington 'could be' court martialed

The ship was joined earlier in the week by the Royal New Zealand Navy tanker HMNZS Endeavour to provide manpower, stores and practical advice.

Another New Zealand ship, the frigate HMNZS Te Mana, is also on scene.

A tug, the MV Pacific Chieftain, from New Zealand may be sent to join the beleaguered ship.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "One of the options being considered is to tow the ship to a more sheltered anchorage in the region."

Official inquiry

The Nottingham is now producing its own fresh water but the New Zealand ships have assisted with drinking water and bathroom facilities, he added.

A Ministry of Defence investigation and Board of Inquiry will decide if the ship's captain, Commander Richard Farrington, or members of his crew, will face a court martial over the accident.

It is likely to be some months until those inquiries are concluded.

Members of the Board of Inquiry will join the destroyer over the next few days.

Meanwhile, the Royal Navy has denied a suggestion in an Australian newspaper, apparently from a British government spokeswoman, the warship could be scrapped.

A Navy spokesman said: "The option of scrapping the ship is not one that is being considered by the Royal Navy."