Spy in the sky might be used to track ghost ships

The MV Alta which ran aground on the coastline in East Cork. Picture Denis Minihane.

The State is examining satellite technology to help it identify and track ghost ships or lost containers in Irish territorial waters.

The Irish Coast Guard is working with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to evaluate “satellite-based options” that can identify potential maritime risks posed by vessels like the MV Alta ghost ship in Cork, and other vessels that have stopped transmitting any electronic signature.