Safety checks conducted on chemical ship

A damaged chemical ship, stranded off the south west coast since Wednesday, has been towed in to Cork Harbour.

The West Sailor, anchored in Brandon Bay since a fire broke out in its engine room, arrived in Cork Dockyard at Rushbrooke today.

Two marine surveyors from the Department of Transport have gone aboard the ship to carry out a port state control check.

Their study includes maritime safety, security, environmental protection as well as living and working conditions for the crew.

International Transport Federation (ITF) inspector Ken Fleming is also waiting to inspect the vessel following claims from crew members that they were not allowed to call for help after the fire.

The 15-strong crew contained the blaze in the Maltese-registered vessel.

Its cargo of sulphuric acid had already been delivered to the Aughinish Alumina plant on the Shannon Estuary when the fire broke out.

The ITF is also questioning why there was a delay before a tug was contracted to tow the ship.

The tug Breedbank arrived at the scene yesterday and, with the Irish Naval Vessel Le Aoife escorting, has been towing the ship during the night.