The Nautile's support ship, the Nadir, will set off from the Mediterranean port of Toulon later in May.

BBC: French sub to resume Prestige dives

The decision to resume the Nautile's operation came as fresh incidences of pollution were reported on the coast of the French region of Brittany.

BBC: French sub to resume Prestige dives

Ifremer, a French research institute which operates the Nautile, said it had signed a contract with the Spanish authorities to check the effectiveness of a previous operation to secure the wreck's leaking hull.

BBC: French sub to resume Prestige dives