An operation has begun as promised by the Drogheda Port Company on Monday, to stabilise the grab hopper-dredger Hebble Sand which having floundered, began to take on water and sink in the Co. Louth port last week.

At the site where the owners of the 59-year-old dredger and crews who from early on Wednesday morning at the port began to carry out remedial work on the ship.

To assist in carrying out the task, a crane has also been erected at the site. They will be pumping water out of the dredger into IBC’s and will be sending divers down to assess what repair has to be done.

Current Harbour Master Martin Donnelly was in attendance to oversee the operation, with his replacement Laurence Kirwan.

Further details of the operation reports the Drogheda Independent of the veteran vessel which has been idle at the port since 2014.