Drifting bulk liner being towed to port in Cork

The rope towing a broken down cargo ship to shore off the south west coast has snapped in large swell.

A rescue effort is continuing of the 108 metre long Abuk Lion, which had engine failure yesterday afternoon on the way to Russia.

Vessel Abuk Lion now under tow by Celtic Isle off #Kinsale , photo frm LÉ Roisín, she will remain on scene to assist pic.twitter.com/Ubt73dFzG1

— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) December 30, 2013

The Divisional Controller of the Valentia Coastguard, John Draper, says the ship was being towed by a tug boat, but swells of up to 6 metres caused the rope to snap.

He says they'll start towing it again shortly, to bring the stricken vessel back to Cork.