DISMANTLING one of the controversial Ghost Ships will take longer than expected after more asbestos was discovered, it has been revealed.

The former French naval vessel, Clemenceau, is being dismantled by Able UK, in Seal Sands, near Hartlepool.

Bosses at the recycling firm have notified the Environment Agency that work will not be completed until June, due to the discovery of previously unidentified asbestos on girders.

Environmental campaigners had battled to prevent the ship from being dismantled in the region because of fears of asbestos and other toxins on board.

The vessel had been denied entry into a number of countries for safety reasons, but the UK’s Health and Safety Executive granted Able an exemption to the asbestos regulations permit.

More than 50 firefighters had to tackle a blaze on board the Clemenceau last Friday.

The cause of the fire remains unknown but an investigation is under way.

Glyn Wheeler, managing director of Able UK, said: “Our clear priority is always to ensure that the vessel is dealt with in a manner which does not cause harm to people or pollution to the environment.

He said: “We have explained to the Environment Agency that the main issue, which has led to the need to extend the time scale for recovery of the Q790, has been the period required for the removal of asbestos- containing material.

“This is because, during dismantling operations on the vessel which have been carried out following its arrival at Able Seaton Port, it was discovered that many of the concealed structural girders throughout the vessel had been clad with a thin veneer of asbestoscontaining material.”

He added: “Some 70 per cent of the total asbestos-containing material has been removed and we expect that the removal operation will be completed in April, with the total recovery of the vessel achieved by the end of June.”

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “Able UK has provided us with details of progress to date to recover the ship and a revised programme of works, with recovery planned for June. We don’t believe it is appropriate to make a final decision on enforcement action at this time, and will continue to monitor the recovery of the Q790 in the coming months. We will review our position in July.”