#ArklowRuler – As previously reported, Arklow Ruler (2006/2,999grt), which ran aground at the entrance of Drogheda Port at the mouth of the Boyne, was eventually re-floated late this morning, writes Jehan Ashmore.

A previous attempt to re-float the Irish-flagged 80m vessel off the Co. Louth port's northern breakwater at high-tide had proved unsuccessful.

At the same time of this morning's departure of Arklow Ruler bound for Antwerp, the port re-opened for business as the pilot launch cutter, Boyne Protector attended another cargoship.

The incident follows a similar grounding in 2010 by a younger sister, Arklow Raider in which the MCIB investigated into the vessel which went onto a sandbank in the same vicinity.