It inspected eight vessels, although not including any operated by Dive Pro Liveaboard, and found none had "a planned maintenance system, safety management system or stability books", a crucial document for avoiding capsize.

It warned 40% of councils would be "staring down bankruptcy" next year, when a scheme allowing local authorities to keep those deficits off their financial books expires.

The fantasy graphic novel and science fiction writer - whose books Good Omens, American Gods and The Sandman have been adapted for television - was the subject of a New York Magazine cover story on Monday.

The books were ultimately headed to an artist residence in Altadena.

By Brooke Shields Flatiron Books: 256 pages, $30 If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookstores.