Cargo ship overturns in Limerick Harbour

A salvage operation is underway in Foynes Harbour in Limerick after a cargo ship overturned while taking on ballast this morning.

One crew member was thrown overboard during the accident at 11am, but he was quickly rescued by local craft in the harbour and taken to hospital.

The ship now poses a serious pollution threat and environmental experts are en route to the scene.

The vessel was carrying 250 tons of heavy fuel oil, 30 tons of gas oil and 11,000 litres of lubricant, some of which is already leaking into the sea.