WORK is under way to safely remove a fishing boat which ran aground at Prestonpans this week.

The boat, which bears the name Reaper II, was first spotted in shallow waters off the town on Monday.

As the tide went out it appeared to have beached on the shore but later moved coming to rest behind the town's Lidl store.

Alan McPherson, chief harbour master at Forth Ports, said: “The Reaper II ran aground at Prestonpans on Monday evening.

"The cause of this is unknown.

"There was a small leak of diesel fuel into the water and all the remaining diesel on board has been removed by our expert oil recovery partner Adler and Allan.

"The diesel spill into the water was minimal and is expected to disperse naturally.

"We are working closely with East Lothian Council to minimise the impact on the local environment and we are seeking to have the vessel removed as soon as possible.

"There will be a full investigation into the cause of this incident.”

Forth Ports investigators said the marooned vessel bears the port name of Oban on its hull and is not believed to be in use as a commercial boat.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We’ve been working with Forth Ports and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency after a vessel ran aground near Prestonpans.

"Experts are looking at the best way of safely removing the vessel as quickly as possible.”