Cargo Ship In Trouble On The Irish Sea

A cargo ship which drifted off the Northern Ireland coast was today safely brought to shore after a five-hour rescue operation. The 1,500-tonne Belgian-owned Sesam, with its crew of six Russians, developed engine trouble in the Irish Sea and drifted nine miles off the coast in Millisle, Co Down. Lifeboats from Larne and Donaghadee went to the vessel’s aid and helped tow it into Belfast Harbour.the vessel SesamThe Irish Lights vessel, The Granuaille, was also involved in the operation and did the bulk of the towing. It is understood the Sesam, which was carrying steel, was bound for Coleraine in Co Derry when it developed engine trouble in stormy seas. Despite high winds and poor visibility, the rescue operation managed to bring the boat to shore in Bangor. It is now expected to go to dry dock in the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. A Coastguard spokesman said they were pleased with the mission.Lights vessel, The Granuaille