temporarily.

Marine and Ports official Mike Dolding on Friday confirmed that a staff member noticed the tug was sitting further down in the water than usual at about 11.45 a.m.

A check revealed the engine room was filling with water. The Fire Service was called, rigged a pump and pumped out enough water to examine the hull.

They discovered a two-inch hole in the hull and a diver from Marine and Ports went overboard and plugged it temporarily.

The Fire Service continued to pump out the water in conjunction with Hunt's Sanitation Service, which ensured no pollution escaped.

The plan is to put a metal plate on the inside as a stronger temporary fix, until the tug is slipped, possibly sometime next week.

Mr. Dolding said: "It was a concern but luckily it didn't happen. There was no pollution and the problem is being dealt with.''