31 January 2013 Last updated at 12:33

In pictures: Grounded US Navy ship to be dismantled

This photo, released by the Tubbataha Management Office, shows an aerial view of the U.S. Navy minesweeper USS Guardian, top, stranded in the Tubbataha Reef - 25 January

The US Navy has said it plans to dismantle the USS Guardian minesweeper stuck on a coral reef in a Unesco heritage site off the Philippine coast, as removing it intact would cause more damage to the reef and the ship's hull. The first floating crane will arrive in the next few days and it will take several weeks to dismantle.

US Navy handout photo shows members of a US Navy salvage assessment team working aboard the ship - January 23

A salvage assessment team has been working aboard the ship ever since it struck the reef in the Sulu Sea's Tubbataha National Marine Park on 17 January after completing a port call at the former Subic Bay base. Crews have already pumped out fuel from the ship and also removed lubricating oil and paint.

A diver from the Philippine Coast Guard measures coral damage after the USS Guardian ran aground at the Vicinity of South Islet in Tubbataha Reefs in Palawan province, west of Manila (22 Jan 2013)

Divers from the Philippine coast guard have been measuring coral damage at the site. According to Unesco, the area is a "unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species" and part of it serves as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles.

Anti-riot policemen, splattered with paint from protesters, use batons as they disperse a demonstration calling for a pullout of US troops and against the grounded USS Guardian minesweeper - January 25

There have been protests outside the US embassy in the Philippines calling for a pullout of US troops stationed in the country but also protesting against the grounded minesweeper. The government has said it wants to fine the US Navy for unauthorised entry into the protected area and for any damage incurred.

A member of the Philippine Coast Guard approaches the USS Guardian - January 24

The US Navy has in turn ordered an investigation into the grounding and expressed deep regret for any damage that may have been caused. One early estimate from the Philippine coast guard is that at least 1,000 sq m of coral reef was affected, Associated Press news agency reports.

The USS Guardian is seen at the Vicinity of South Islet in Tubbataha Reefs after it ran aground in Palawan province, west of Manila (19 Jan 2013)

There are close military ties between The Philippines and the US and officials say that compensation claims will be discussed. The last time the US Navy dismantled a grounded ship is thought to be in 1971, after the USS Regulus was grounded off the coast of Hong Kong during a fierce typhoon.

Asia

In pictures: Grounded US Navy ship to be dismantled

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