Inquiries launched after cargo ships collide in Shannon estuary

Separate investigations have been launched into an incident near Kilrush in Co Clare in which two cargo ships were involved in a collision. Some details emerged about how the two vessels collided in the Shannon estuary, close to Kilrush, at about 5am on Sunday morning. The 225-metre Irini, a 69,734-tonne bulk carrier, was taking a cargo of bauxite to the Rusal Alumina plant at Aughinish in Co Limerick but was at anchor at the time. The second vessel, the 93-metre Danish-registered Tina Theresa, was leaving the anchorage to meet up with the Shannon estuary pilot when the collision took place. The tanker was destined for Foynes Port in Limerick and was damaged along her starboard side but there was no hull damage.

Date: September 15,2011                                                                   Source : IrishTimes