Two weeks ago the Genmar Companion had been en route from Rotterdam to New
York when the captain reported a suspected crack in the hull.

The tanker, which is carrying a 54,000-tonne load of vacuum gas oil, was
halted 25 miles off Tory Island (County Donegal) before rerouting to Belfast
where repair work is to take place.

The tanker was able to make its own way using its own power and is anchored
off the Copeland Islands (mouth of Belfast Lough) in relatively sheltered
waters. There is apparently no undue concern for the safety of the vessel or
its cargo.

The ship is currenly awaiting the arrival of another tanker to which it will
offload its cargo before entering Belfast for repair.

regards,

Brendan