Pantanal Hard Aground
The 120 meter long, 7837 dwt heavy lift cargo vessel Pantanal went aground in Cashla Bay close to Rossaveal Harbour, Ireland. The Pantanal had dropped anchor in the narrow shallow waters when gale force winds caused broke the anchor line and ran the Pantanal on to the rock and sandbank. The Pantanal had left Gibraltar for Galway to load 2 small passenger ferry vessels located in Rossaveal Harbour. All 16 crewmen on board were safe and uninjured. The Irish Coast Guard were alerted and were put on standby. The vessel was inspected for leaks and any pollution being released. Booms have been placed around the vessel to prevent any pollution escaping in the event of an oil leak. A tug has been disaptched to refloat the Pantanal on the next high tide.
