The 7,000 tonne ship that ran aground off the Co Galway coast yesterday has been refloated.
The vessel is currently located in the approaches to Casla Bay and is being inspected for damage by its owners.
Minister for the Marine Simon Coveney welcomed the successful refloating of the Pantanal in Galway Bay this morning.
Mr Coveney said there had been a ‘very real threat to the marine environment’ but it had been averted.
A marine investigation is due to be carried out by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board.
Last night, Mr Coveney said a severe weather warning had not been heeded by the ship, and it should not have been anchored where it was.
The 'Pantanal' arrived in Rossaveal Harbour yesterday, to pick up two small passenger ferries which were sold to a buyer in Mauritius.
