Unmanned cargo ship carrying 300 tons of diesel set to run aground on French Atlantic coast

A ship abandoned by its crew and carrying 300 tons of diesel is heading towards the French coast.

The ship developed a severe 40-50 degree list in the Bay of Biscay, after its cargo of timber shifted in poor weather, Lloyd's List reported.

A salvage attempt to secure a tow line to the Panamanian vessel, Modern Express, failed on Friday. Stormy weather, of 50 kilometre an hour winds and six metre waves, meant that another attempt was not possible, gcaptain.com reported.

However, it is believed that the fuel is secure for the time being. Maritime campaign group Surfers Against Sewage said in a Facebook post they are monitoring the situation.

French officials are reportedly preparing for the ship to run aground in Landes, France, according to gcaptain.com.

The ship developed the list on its journey from Gabon to Le Havre, France. All 22 crew members were rescued by the Spanish authorities.