Freighter calls for help in high seas off Co Cork

A freighter carring a cargo from the Aughinish Alumina plant in Co Limerick to St Petersburg in Russia has radioed for help from high seas off the Old Head of Kinsale.

With a crew of 13 and carrying a cargo of bauxite, the Abuk Lion is contending with Gale Force 8 winds and four metre swells three miles offshore but is understood not to be in immediate danger.

An ocean-going tug, the Celtic Isle, has been sent from Cork to assist it but is not likely to arrive at the scene before 11pm. It is planned that the tug will then tow the freighter back to Cork harbour.