A Maltese-registered cargo ship was under tow towards Shannon estuary last night after its engines failed 70 miles west of Loop Head, Co Clare.
The 27,000-tonne Acacia, with 20 crew on board, was bound for Liverpool from Reykjavik, Iceland, when it lost engine power early yesterday. It issued a "pan-pan" alert which was picked up by Valentia coast radio station.
A "pan-pan" is distinct from a "Mayday" in that it signals that there is an emergency on board, but that there is no immediate risk to life or to the vessel itself.
The vessel reported that it was drifting with the weather at a rate of about four nautical miles, and was rolling at angles of up to 35 degrees.
A tug from Foynes, Co Limerick, the Celtic Isle was despatched at the owners' request, and the Naval Service flagship, LE Eithne, also steamed to meet the ship.
The vessel was taken under tow yesterday afternoon, and Valentia coast radio station said that weather conditions were improving and there was no immediate risk.
The LE Eithnewas monitoring the tow, and it was expected that the tug and ship would reach the Shannon estuary after first light this morning.