The ships will be scrapped at a yard in Hartlepool

The departure of the first two controversial former US Navy ships bound for Hartlepool has been delayed by Hurricane Isabel - currently heading for America's East Coast.

The ships, part of a flotilla of 13 that will be scrapped here in the North East, were due to leave on Thursday.

The 105mph winds will delay the sailing of the first two vessels for two days.

Environmentalists want the journey stopped, claiming the ships are rusting and could leak oil and dangerous chemicals.

It has been claimed the scrap rusting hulks would pose a "serious environmental risk" to the coastline of north-east England, according to a tourist chief.

Asbestos and fuel

The 13-strong fleet of cargo and military vessels is being brought 4,000 miles from Virginia, to be scrapped at a Hartlepool dockyard.

The deal is expected to create 200 jobs at Able UK's Hartlepool yard.

The plan has already been criticised by environmental groups, who are worried about the possible risks from asbestos and fuel oil.

But Able has dismissed the fears as "scaremongering".