Ship runs a ground on Hook Headrocks

April 1996

A German ship ran aground on rocks near Hook Head last week.

The ‘Sesam’, a German coaster, found itself on the rocks at Evoy Point just after 10 p.m. last Thursday.

It was spotted by Hook lighthouse and a call for assistance was issued at 10.15 p.m. The four memebrs of the Coastal and Cliff Rescue Service, based in Fethard-on-Sea, put to sea and reached the ship at 11.15 p.m.

A spokesperson said later that the ‘Sesam’ was literally ‘ high and dry’ on the rocks when they got there.

‘It is a big coaster, a large vessel. Conditions were good and the sea was calm.

‘ The six crew were uninjured. The captain and us had a good look around the ship. There was some minor damage caused all right, but she was refloated at 7.07 a.m. the following morning,’ said Mick Dunne.

The Dunmore lifeboat and a tug from Tusksar were also at the scene.

The ‘ Sesam’ had unloaded it cargo of 1,600 tons of citrus seed pellets at New Ross earlier on Thursday and was heading for Newport in Wales when the accident happened.

Reports state that engine failure may have been the cause.

Following the accident, the ‘Sesam’ reberthed and was checked for damage.

Some repairs were carried out before it continued on its way.

New Ross Harbour Board said the ship had been to New Ross before, but was not considered a regular visitor.