All the passengers disembarked safely (Pic sent in by BBC News website user Paul Freeman) Sinking ferry

A salvage team is assessing the condition of the Sea Express One, which was travelling from the Isle of Man to Liverpool with 294 passengers on-board.

It collided in fog with the Alaska Rainbow near the Alfred Dock, just minutes before it was due to dock.

Fire crews are pumping water from the ship, which is at Pier Head, to stop it sinking further into the Mersey.

Liverpool Coastguard said 45 vehicles remained on board and it was not known when it would be safe to unload them.

The owners have been warned some of the vehicles may have been damaged. All passengers escaped uninjured after the crash.

It's been very frustrating and distressing for them [the passengers], but everyone's been extremely calm and pleasant Janice Farroll

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is now looking into the cause of the collision.

The operation to pump water from the Sea Express One, which is owned by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, began on Saturday afternoon.

Divers are expected to try to repair the hull of the high-speed passenger ferry

The manager of the Steam Packet 's Liverpool terminal, Janice Farroll, said passengers booked to travel their Liverpool to Isle of Man route would be transferred to the Ben-My-Chree ferry that runs from Heysham, Lancashire.

She praised passengers for their patience.

Divers will try to repair some of the damage

"It's been very frustrating and distressing for them, but everyone's been extremely calm and pleasant," she said.

"There has been much praise for the professional manner in which the crew handled the situation."

The Sea Express One, which is 16 years old, underwent an engine overhaul at Birkenhead, Merseyside, last year.