Lough Foyle detention for Ocean Glory continues
Ocean Glory in Lough Foyle
A large ship, the Ocean Glory, remains anchored in the water off Moville, having been detained by the authorities after failing a routine safety inspection earlier this month.
The ship, two-thirds the size of the Titanic, arrived in Lough Foyle more than three weeks ago on Sunday October 30 to unload its cargo of coal at Foyle Port in Lisahally.
However, the 19-year-old bulk carrier was subsequently detained three days later on Wednesday, November 2, for failing to fully comply with two statutory requirements.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the ship cannot sail again until the concerns are addressed.
“Safety is always our top priority, so the vessel will remain at port until it is released by the MCA, when it fully complies with the required standards.”
The MCA official said the vessel, which is registered in Limassol, Cyprus, had failed to fully comply with the merchant shipping requirements on International Safety Management Code and Load Line regulations.
A spokesperson for Foyle Port said that the ship must stay here until the required improvements are carried out.
They said the vessel was not in danger of becoming unseaworthy and compared its faults to a vehicle failing a MOT but still being roadworthy.
At almost 179 metres in length, the Ocean Glory is one of the biggest ships to dock at Lough Foyle. Its carrying capacity is 35,552 tonnes and her current draught is reported to be 6.7 metres.
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