A FRENCH registered trawler struck a rock off the Blaskets in the early hours of Sunday morning, resulting in a spillage of 9,000 litres of diesel.

The vessel, Le Stiff, left Dingle at around midnight on Saturday and is believed to have struck a rock off Inis na Bró. The rescue services were alerted and Valentia Coast Guard tasked Valentia lifeboat to the incident. There were 14 crewmen onboard the vessel but no injuries were reported.

The vessel was able to steam towards Dingle without assistance and stopped outside Ventry, Harbour where she was inspected for damage on Sunday morning.

Dingle Coast Guard brought pollution control materials to the vessel to soak up the remaining fuel in the vessel's ruptured tank. Meanwhile, a Coast Guard helicopter f flew over the area to determine the extent of the oil spillage off the Blaskets. The authorities believe that there will be no serious pollution.