A DUTCH Tall Ship participating in Ireland’s
Gathering Cruise late last week has sunk after
striking rocks while sailing in the Sovereign
Islands near Kinsale, off the southern coast of
the country.
The 42-metre Tall Ship, known as Astrid,
became caught in 2m swells close to the coast
after suffering engine failure, which along with
high winds pushed the vessel into danger.
Thirty people onboard the 95-year old ship
were rescued by Irish Coast Guard helicopters,
however no injuries were reported.
Investigations are currently underway by
authorities in both Ireland & the Netherlands
into whether the accident was preventable.
The Gathering is a year-long series of events
spearheaded by Tourism Ireland globally
promoting the country as a tourist destination.
