Agattu Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The 'Lily E' has officially set sail from Waterford after successfully completing crucial repairs on October 28. The vessel encountered an issue when seawater infiltrated the vent in the control room, leading to a malfunction of the electrical control panel. Fortunately, no structural damage was reported, minimizing the impact of the incident. Prior to her departure, a portion of the cargo was discharged and transported overland to its destination on October 24. The remainder of the cargo was efficiently discharged and moved on both October 27 and 28. With repairs finalized and cargo sorted, the 'Lily E' is now en route to Aveiro, Portugal, with an estimated time of arrival set for November 1.

On the afternoon of October 21, the cargo vessel 'Lily E' was successfully towed back to Waterford Port at Belview following a harrowing experience that saw it drift perilously close to the rugged coastline near Hook Head. The rescue operation was spearheaded by the tug 'Tramontane', with vital assistance from the tug 'Bargarth'. Upon arrival at the port, the 'Lily E' will undergo a thorough inspection by personnel from the Department of Transport's Marine Survey Office. Fortunately, all nine crew members aboard the vessel were reported to be in good health. The alarm was raised on October 20 at 3 p.m. when the ship experienced a loss of power approximately two nautical miles off Hook Head, located in County Wexford. In response, RNLI lifeboats from Dunmore East, Kilmore Quay, and Rosslare were deployed, along with the R117 helicopter from Waterford Airport. The lifeboat crews faced challenging conditions, battling force eight gale winds and waves reaching six meters high. While awaiting the tug's arrival, the brave RNLI teams worked diligently to prevent the 'Lily E' from striking the rocks at Hook Head. Initial attempts to initiate a tow were met with difficulties, but the ship has ultimately made a safe return to port.

On the morning of October 20, 2020, the cargo ship 'Lily E', carrying coal and with a crew of nine on board, encountered a serious power failure amidst challenging weather conditions while navigating off the coast of Waterford. The vessel was approaching New Ross when it began to drift southward. By midday, it was reported to be two nautical miles south of Hook Head, prompting a call for immediate assistance. At 2:45 p.m., three RNLI lifeboats were dispatched to the scene: the 14-17 (MMSI: 232002410) from Dunmore East, the 16-18 (MMSI: 235050725) from Kilmore Quay, and the 17-43 (MMSI: 235010875) from Rosslare. Each boat was manned by a dedicated crew of around eight volunteers, who faced extreme conditions of force eight winds and significant swells as they undertook their rescue operation. Also aiding the effort was a Coast Guard helicopter based in Waterford, participating in the search and rescue (SAR) mission. Both the Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay lifeboats successfully established tow lines to the 'Lily E', preventing it from being driven dangerously close to the rocky shoreline. Meanwhile, the Rosslare RNLI maintained a watchful presence. Facing towering waves exceeding six meters, the lifeboat crews coordinated efforts to keep the ship safe until the Waterford tug, 'Tramontane', arrived around 5:40 p.m. The lifeboats escorted the tug as it navigated toward the calmer waters of Waterford Harbour in the early hours of October 21. However, concerns were raised about the integrity of the tow lines, prompting the decision to drop anchor as a precaution. Approximately 1.5 hours later, the tow line did indeed part, creating a risk of the vessel blocking the navigational channel to the harbor. Fortunately, the anchor held firm, averting a potential maritime disaster. Salvage operations were set to continue on October 21, with plans to tow the 'Lily E' to Waterford once visibility improved. The combined efforts of the RNLI and Coast Guard showcased remarkable bravery and competence in ensuring the safety of the crew and the vessel amidst perilous conditions. For further details, please consult the reports available with photos and videos: [RNLI](https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2020/october/21/three-irish-lifeboats-called-out-to-assist-4000-tonne-cargo-vessel-in-danger), [WLR FM](https://www.wlrfm.com/2020/10/20/148798/), [Irish Examiner](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40068431.html), and [WLR FM continuation](https://www.wlrfm.com/2020/10/21/tragedy-averted-as-rescue-of-the-lily-b-to-continue-in-waterford-this-morning/).