Fears are mounting  that the Dutch ship adrift off the Norway coast is losing engine power and may capsize in 15 metre waves, Norwegian media report.

The Eemslift Hendrika, which has a mixed cargo including luxury motor boats, had run into difficulties at the weekend when its load started shifting in strong winds.

On Monday the last of the crew, which had remained behind to try to steady the load, was taken off the ship by the Norwegian coastguard and brought to Alesund. One of the crew was said to be injured in the attempt and taken to hospital.

The ship is currently sailing on automatic pilot but is losing engine power, Norwegian media said, and could capsize. The waves in the area are 15 to 18 metres high.

A coastguard vessel is standing by to check the ship’s progress. The Norwegians are worried the Eemslift Hendrika may pose a danger to other ships in the area, or crash into an oil rig.