Inspectors check death tanker in port

Checks were continuing today on the condition of an Argentinean oil tanker on which two crewmen died and another was seriously injured when it was caught in a storm.

The 65,000-tonne ship is now in port at Killybegs, Co Donegal. It put in there after running into fierce gales off the coast of Co Mayo, and was detained under European Union rules entitling states to protect their coastlines.

The chief officer and the bosun of the vessel, the Princess Eva, which is carrying 55,000 tonnes of gas oil, died as they worked on the deck.

Their injured colleague is in a Galway hospital after being airlifted by a helicopter.

Department of Marine inspectors have detected cracks in the deck which have generated concerns about the ship’s safety.

In a precautionary move, extra personnel and specialised pollution control equipment have arrived in Killybegs and a tug has also been sent to the port.

Surveyors from the marine department have stressed that they are satisfied there is no immediate pollution threat.

Further checks were being carried out ahead of a decision on what to do with the tanker and its cargo.