The ferry is now on its side and has sunk in the sand

Storms and high tides have delayed hopes of refloating the ferry, which has been on the sands at Cleveleys since the end of January.

An action plan is now being put forward for Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention, (SOSREP) to look at.

The vessel is now on its side and has sunk into the sand.

The ferry had been heading from Warrenpoint, County Down, to Heysham, Lancashire, when it was hit by a freak wave on 31 January.

Trade boost

But high winds, rain and spring tides have thwarted efforts to get the Riverdance moving.

It has now become a tourist attraction with an estimated 100,000 onlookers having visited it, boosting local trade.

Mr Shaw said the priority was moving the vessel.

"I look forward to receiving a revised outline plan with options early next week for my consideration," he said.