On Tuesday evening, 4th August a major incident was averted as Arklow Cove was leaving Port of Waterford.

At 9pm approximately the coaster was coming down the river on a flooding tide. It seems the engine failed and to avoid grounding at Morans Poles, Cheekpoint the anchor was dropped, checked and kept the vessel from running ashore. the sound was deafening and ourselves and our neighbours started to run to see what was happening and if there was anything we could do.

Arriving on the scene, it was obvious that the vessel was halted but very close to the shore. As the crowd gathered, the crew managed to restart the engine and reverse off while retrieving the anchor. It was a long, slow process and eventually she continued off into the channel and turned slowly before safely dropping anchor off Great Island, Co Wexford.

There was no panic, just the careful and well-thought-out plan to get the vessel to safety. I thought it showed terrific seamanship from all concerned.  It was some relief to see the men and ship safe.

At 22:38 the tug Fastnet Lir came alongside the anchored vessel in preperation of towing the vessel back to port.

. 22:49 tow commenced and the vessel was brought into Port of Waterford

The actual route of the vessel on the 4th

Repairs were obviously successful, the ship was under her own steam here making her way to the Bristol Channel on Wednesday evening 5th August.