Irish marine victory shortlived as ghost ships allowed to dock

Despite assurances from the British government that two ships laden with toxic materials and due to be dismantled must return to the US, the two ghost ships will be allowed dock in England.

Environmentalists yesterday welcomed the Irish Minister for Marine's announcement that the two ships would be forced to return to the US.

Mr Dermot Ahern had said that the Irish Government had been opposed to the break-up of the ghost ships from the start.

However, it has now emerged that the two ships will still be allowed make passage and to dock temporarily on Teesside.