The move to bring the so-called ghost ships across the Atlantic from the United States for dismantling has angered environmental campaigners who claim the vessels contain asbestos and other toxic materials.

The High Court in London has blocked any work from being carried out after the campaign group Friends of the Earth brought legal action against Able UK, a British firm that specialises in decommissioning such vessels.

The court issued an injunction preventing dismantling from starting until at least next month, when key legal challenges will be heard.

Britain's Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett last week said the US vessels would spend the winter in British waters but should return next year to the United States.

Meanwhile, discussions are under way to decide the fate of two other ships being towed across the North Atlantic to Britain. The Canopuss and the Compass Island are about a week behind the Caloosahatchee.

The ships were among 13 retired navy vessels which Able UK was contracted to recycle under a deal with the US government worth nearly 15 million dollars (13 million euros).

Nine of the 13 are still on the James River in the eastern US state of Virginia, where legal authorities have forbidden their departure after a request from environmental groups.