The Russian bulk carrier Kuzma Minin has been seized from its owners and is now going up for auction.

Since running aground off Gyllyngvase Beach during a storm in December, the ship has remained in Falmouth.

It was placed under detention by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency after surveyors confirmed a breach in one of its fuel tanks, and ordered not to leave Falmouth until acceptable repairs had been made.

It has now been seized by the Admiralty Court and will be auctioned off by London shipbrokers CW Kellock and Co.

They are selling the 23,000 ton ship 'as is where is' and are taking offers until Tuesday (March 19).

Paul Willcox, director of CW Kellock and Co, spoke the the Packet and confirmed that they were handling the sale.

He said: "The Admiralty Marshal will usually accept the highest offer, and the buyer must then deposit 10 per cent immediately and the balance within a week, whereupon he will assume ownership and the court will confirm the vessel to be free of encumbrances and debts.

"The money paid into court will be apportioned to creditors in accordance with the ranking of their claims."

Crew on the bulk carrier were looked after by Falmouth's Mission to Seafarers, who provided them with food and other supplies during their time in Falmouth.

The ship was under ownership of the Murmansk Shipping Company, who have reportedly seen financial difficulties in recent years.

The Moscow Times wrote in September 2018 that the company had had at least eight ships seized from different locations around the world.