Navy and coastguard secure safety of 13 crew aboard stricken bulk carrier

A joint Irish naval and coastguard operation has succeeded in securing the safety of 13 crew on board a stricken bulk carrier drifting without power in stormy seas off the Co Cork coast.

The freighter Abuk Lion, which radioed for help after its main engine failed at around 3pm on Sunday, was under tow and heading for Cork harbour on Monday. It was expected to reach Roche’s Point at 8pm last night.

The ocean-going tug Celtic Isle got a tow on board the 108m-long vessel, some 24km off the Old Head of Kinsale after drifting almost 32km towards shore overnight.