Experts plan to refloat cargo ship

Marine experts are planning to refloat a 7,000 tonne cargo ship which ran aground on the west coast of Ireland.

The 120 metre Pantanal is believed to have dragged its anchor in heavy seas while waiting off Connemara to collect two small passenger ferries at Rossaveal harbour.

There were 16 crew on board.

The ship had been steered into navigation channels in Casla Bay yesterday to wait for an opportunity to pick up its cargo.

There are no reports of oil or fuel spillages, the Irish Coast Guard said.

The ship is owned by a German-based shipping company which is understood to be making arrangements to get a tug on site in an attempt to refloat it at high tide.