LIVE: Several injuries reported following 'incident' on board ship at major Irish port

A major emergency operation is underway at the Port of Foynes in west Limerick following what's understood to be a serious incident on board a cargo ship.

There are unconfirmed reports of an explosion on board the vessel - believed to be an oil tanker - shortly before 7pm this Tuesday.

Much of the immediate area around the Port of Foynes is said to be in "lockdown" as authorities deal with the situation on the ground.

While exact details of what happened remain unclear, gardai have confirmed that several people have been injured. It's believed two men have been taken to University Hospital Limerick with serious injuries.

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"Gardaí are currently at scene following a report of an incident on a ship in Foynes Port, Limerick this evening - Tuesday, June, 2025 - shortly before 7pm," said a garda spokesperson.

"Gardaí are assisting ambulance services at the scene and dealing with a number of injuries," added the spokesperson.

Following the incident, ambulances could be seen on the quayside along the ship and an air ambulance was also deployed to assist in the operation.

It's understood personnel from Limerick Fire and Rescue are also in attendance along with paramedics from the National Ambulance Service.

Operations at the port have been temporarily suspended as a result of the incident but will resume shortly.

“Shannon Foynes Port Company can confirm that two men have been hospitalised following an accident on board a ship this evening at Foynes Port. Emergency services attended the scene and both men were removed to University Hospital," said a spokesperson for Shannon Foynes Port Company.

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