‘Exactly. It’s not going to be easy, but the sooner we know whether we’re facing an oil spill or not, the better. We’re also hoping to get a couple of guys on board to take a look inside.’

‘So approaching on both fronts?’

Erling nodded.

The onshore wind was brisk as they got near to the cliff edge, but nothing like what Geordie must have faced the previous night. They were close enough now for Ava to get her first clear view of the stranded ship. She could just make out the name: MV Orlova, which sounded Russian.

As the search and rescue boat came into view, rising and falling in the swell, they also heard the unmistakable beat of the approaching coastguard helicopter. Despite being only an observer and not a participant, Ava’s heartbeat rose in both excitement and fear.

This was what being on the job again felt like, and she was grateful for it.

Erling stood a little away from her, his back to the wind, listening on the radio, she presumed to the rescue teams, above and below.

Ava watched as two divers positioned themselves on the edge of the boat before dropping backwards into the swell. A keen swimmer, but with very little diving experience, and only in warm Mediterranean waters, Ava could only imagine what falling into that dark choppiness felt like.

As they’d walked to the cliff face, Erling had revealed that one of the divers was his partner, Rory. ‘He’s an experienced oil rig diver, so this is no more difficult than that, or so he assures me.’

Despite his upbeat words, there was no doubt in Ava’s mind that Erling was concerned for him.

The hovering helicopter hung above the Orlova now, and they watched as the first man began his swaying descent. To Ava, it seemed most of those on the clifftop were collectively holding their breath as he drew closer to the pitching deck. Then he was down and giving those on the shore the thumbs up, and the detached cable was rising again.

‘One down, one more to go,’ Erling said, grim concentration on his face.

The second guy was close behind. He had the added advantage of someone on the deck to steady his arrival. Once he too was down, Erling’s radio crackled into life. He listened carefully before giving the go-ahead to whatever plan they’d decided on, and within seconds the two men had disappeared down into the bowels of the ship.

Now came the waiting.