Irish naval vessel LÉ Roisín is now on scene 30 nautical miles off the Old Head of Kinsale where the Merchant Vessel Abuk Lion is drifting, Irish Defence Forces said.
A tug is also on scene and is attempting to pass a line to the stricken vessel, which has reported a power outage.
According to the Irish Defence Forces, the merchant vessel is not in an immediate danger, however the weather conditions on the scene appear to be challenging, with last reported Force 8 winds and six- metre high swells.
LÉ Roisín deployed to the scene as a response to a request from the Coast Guard and is standing by ready to assist the ongoing operation.
Abuk Lion, a 108-metre bulk carrier, carrying bauxite, was reported to had started drifting 33 miles off the Old Head of Kinsale in Co Cork yesterday evening.
The vessel, manned by a crew of 13 people, was sailing from Aughinish in Co Clare to St Petersburg in Russia. The vessel raised the alarm at around 3pm after its main engine failed, RTE News from Ireland informed last night.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 30, 2013; Image: Irish Defence Forces