Chemical Tanker Adrift Off Irish Coast: Tugboat Despatched

The tanker, carrying a 15,000-tonne cargo of caustic soda with 22 crew on board, lost power to its main engines 100 nautical miles off Loop Head while bound for Aughinish in the Shannon Estuary, reports 'The Irish Times'.

The tanker, Hellesport Charger, registered in the Marshall Islands, was on a voyage from Corpus Christi in Texas in the western Gulf of Mexico to Aughinish in the Shannon Estuary when it lost power.

Sea conditions are said to be rough with a six-metre swell and winds of up to force eight. The ship is not, however, believed to be in danger.

The Irish Coast Guard is monitoring the ship. Its helicopter, based at Shannon, may be used to ferry engineers and parts to the stricken ship and a tug may also be sent to assist, reports RTE News.

Sources: The Irish Times/RTE News