The vessel Princess Eva was detained by inspectors of the Maritime Safety Directorate of my Department off Killybegs Harbour on 30 January because cracks were found the previous day on the deck plating of the ship which rendered the vessel unseaworthy.
The tanker was carrying a cargo of 53,400 tonnes of gas oil. In order to repair the vessel it was necessary to remove the cargo, and this operation has now been completed. These operations took place under the control of the Irish Coast Guard.
Temporary repairs were initially carried out on the vessel and were completed in a few days. The tanker was then moved to dry dock where permanent repairs were undertaken.
In relation to costs, my Department pursues "the polluter pays" principle. The Irish Coast Guard has assessed the cost of its services during the incident at €213,000 and discussions are under way with the ship's owners at this time for the recovery of this sum.