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Two rushed to hospital after explosion on ship docked at Foynes Port in Limerick as major emergency response sparked

TWO people have been rushed to hospital following an explosion on board a ship docked at Foynes Port in Co Limerick tonight.

The incident occurred shortly before 7pm.

It’s understood the two men involved were carrying out routine maintenance on the ship tonight when a gas cylinder exploded, injuring them.

Gardai and emergency services including fire and rescue as well as HSE paramedics are at the port as part of a major emergency response to the serious incident.

Locals reported seeing emergency service personnel responding in and around the Bow Hercules, a registered oil/chemical tanker, which is moored at the port.

The 182.73m long x 32m wide 26,364 tonne vessel was built in 2017 and is sailing under the Norwegian flag.

It is currently still at the port and there are no visible signs of the vessel being in distress in the water.

The Cork Air Ambulance, officially known as the HSE Air Ambulance, emergency medical helicopter, based at Rathcoole, Co Cork, is part of the emergency response at the port.

It landed at the port around 8.15pm and is believed to have ferried one casualty to Cork University Hospital.

Another casualty is believed to be en route to hospital by road ambulance.

The emergency helicopter service operates as part of the National Ambulance Service, providing rapid response to critical medical emergencies in the southern region of Ireland.

The service utilises two EC135 helicopters, one of which is the newer T3 version (9H-SEC) and the other is the older T2 model (9H-SEB).

GARDAI AT SCENE

These helicopters are equipped with advanced medical equipment and are staffed by specialist paramedics and an emergency medical technician (EMT).

A Garda spokeswoman said: “Gardaí are currently at scene following a report of an incident on a ship in Foynes Port, Limerick this evening Tuesday 24th June, 2025 shortly before 7pm.

“Gardaí are assisting ambulance services at scene and dealing with a number of injuries. There are no further details, at this time.”

A statement issued on behalf of Shannon Foynes Port Company read: “Shannon Foynes Port Company can confirm that two men have been hospitalised flowing an accident on board a ship this evening at Foynes Port.

“Emergency services attended the scene and both men were removed to University Hospital.

“The cause of the accident is being investigated by the relevant authorities, while the matter on board the ship has made safe, with the Port due to resume operations tonight.”

Foynes Port  Limerick
The incident took place at Foynes Port in Co Limerick
Wikipedia

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