The 2,500-ton Mekhanik Yartsev was on its way to Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, from Riga, Latvia, when it ran into difficulties off Lee-on-the-Solent yesterday morning.

Although the ship has power, it is severely tilted to one side and surveyors are not yet sure whether it can make it to nearby Southampton by itself. 

All 13 crew aboard the 235ft-long vessel are reported to be safe and the Coastguard says the ship is now stable.

But according to the Met Office, the area around Portsmouth is set for outbreaks of rain, sleet and wet snow - as well as coastal gales - today which is likely to hinder and reduce attempt until conditions improve overnight and in to Thursday.

As severe weather approached the area yesterday evening, a tug boat and lifeboat were on standby close to the ship in case it started to go under.

A Coastguard spokesman confirmed today a lifeboat was still on standby as a “precautionary measure.”

The spokesman said: "Due to adverse weather conditions plans to move the Russian vessel Mekhanik Yartsev to a berth in Southampton Harbour were put on hold last night and the vessel currently remains at anchor in the Solent.

"Later, surveyors are expected to visit the vessel to reassess the vessel's stability and cargo.

"Plans to right the vessel will be progressed accordingly and the intention is to move the vessel into Southampton Harbour later."

Heather Perham, 61, whose flat overlooks the water at Lee-on-Solent, near Portsmouth, said: “My husband and I were trying to guess what the ship was because it looked a funny shape.

“But when my husband looked through his binoculars he realised it was a cargo ship that was starting to list.”

This latest incident comes almost three years since the Hoegh Osaka was deliberately grounded in the Solent after it began listing after setting sail from Southampton.

The 51,000-ton car transporter was loaded with 105 pieces of heavy plant machinery, as well as hundreds of luxury cars including Jaguars and Porsches when it left the port in January 2015.