'The Explorer' cargo ship that ran aground shortly after leaving the port of Requejada yesterday afternoon is loaded with 1,600 tonnes of sodium carbonate manufactured by the Solvay chemical plant in Torrelavega.

According to a regional government source, the incident, which occurred at around 3.15pm yesterday afternoon, was caused by a slight tidal movement in a very shallow area.

'The Explorer', which has a crew of seven, is undamaged and will be towed to deeper waters at high tide.

The same source confirmed that there is no environmental risk involved as the cargo of sodium carbonate is not toxic.

Once the German ship has been refloated, it will return to port for a thorough safety inspection before being allowed to resume its onward journey to Morocco.