Efforts to remove a stricken trawler from rocks near Dingle harbour are continuing.
The 350 tonne French registered vessel Fastnet has been wedged amongst rocks near Binn Bán lighthouse since she was driven aground there on Sunday afternoon.
Marine pollution response and salvage teams were on site before dawn hoping to inspect and assess the damage to the vessel.
However, attempts to reach the trawler along the cliff base at low tide were unsuccessful due to a heavy swell. Further attempts to board the vessel from the sea will be made later today.
The 27-metre trawler appears to be intact but its hull may have been penetrated.
There are concerns over a risk of pollution as the vessel was carrying an estimated 40,000 litres of fuel when she was driven aground.
The vessel may also hold up to 1,000 litres of oil.
The boat is lying within 500m of Binn Bán beach, which is a well-known beauty spot. There has been a strong smell of diesel in the air and visible discolouration in the water. Oil pollution experts say it is quite likely that the diesel tanks may have been damaged.
Seán Harrington of Atlantic Towage, the west Cork company tasked with salvaging the trawler, said the trawler is situated in a very difficult location.
"It's very shallow where she is and there’s a lot of breaking surf which is making it difficult to board her and properly assess the damage.
"She is a double-based trawler which means there are upper and lower sections in her hull. Even if the lower compartment has been penetrated, she will still float if the upper part of the hull is sealed. But we will have to get in to her first to see what the situation is." said Mr Harrington.
A tug has arrived from west Cork and is waiting for suitable conditions to attempt to pull the trawler off the rocks. However, today is described as being a "crucial" day for progress as weather and sea conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly in the coming days.
The vessel was leaving Dingle harbour on Sunday when she encountered engine difficulties. Strong gales drove it on to the rocks near Binn Bán Lighthouse. The Irish Coast Guard co-ordinated a dramatic rescue operation. The 14 crew members on board the vessel were airlifted to safety by helicopter.
The Fastnet is based in the French Basque city of Bayonne. The trawler was previously fishing out of Castletownbere before being sold to French owners.
