Oil tanker requests assistance after developing cracks off Donegal coast

The tanker is understood to have developed cracks in its hull.

A LARGE OIL tanker has requested assistance off the northwest coast of Donegal after developing cracks in its hull.

An operation is underway about 25 miles off Tory Island, off the northwest coast of Donegal, after a 72,637 tonne tanker carrying gas oil is understood to have developed cracks in its hull.

The Genmar Companion ship was en route from Rotterdam to New York when the captain requested assistance. The ship is registered in Bermuda, according to Marine Traffic.

RTÉ reports that the ship is looking for a port to carry out repairs.

An Aer Corps plane is monitoring the situation from the air and the Irish Defence Forces says that a naval vessel – the LE Niamh – is en route.

It is not likely to be there until the early hours of tomorrow morning but in the interim period, the vessel will remain 25 miles off Tory Island until a decision is made on whether or not it can be brought to Belfast for repairs to be carried out.

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