The 1,846-tonne vessel was travelling from Cork to Germany

At a meeting on Sunday night it was decided that no attempts should be made to refloat the stricken coaster, the RMS Mulheim, until her cargo has been removed.

The 1,846-tonne vessel was travelling from Cork to Lubeck, Germany, when she ran aground between Land's End and Sennen at 0500 GMT on Saturday, she was carrying 2,200 tonnes of scrap car metal.

The six-strong Polish crew had to be airlifted to safety after she ran onto rocks.

Monitor situation

"Various options need to be explored further," said Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman Fred Caygill.

"In order that our strategy and action plans can be progressed the decision has been taken that a shoreline response unit will have to be established.

"This will mean the local authorities will have to be involved ready to assist with any clean-up measures in the event of the release of any cargo."

Diesel oil has been leaking from the ship's engines but the County Pollution and Salvage Officer, Donald McDonald, said the risk of pollution was minimal.

Salvagers and coastguards will continue to monitor the situation until attempts can be made to recover the ship.