This is the dramatic moment a huge cargo ship was rescued off the Irish coast by Irish RNLI lifeboat crews on Tuesday afternoon.
Video taken by RNLI crew members during the rescue shows huge waves crashing over the vessel as tow lines keep it from smashing into rocks closer to Hook Head, Co Wexford.
The ship with a crew of nine onboard lost power within a kilometre from the coastline while carrying coal in the force eight conditions.
A call for help at around 3pm from the Irish Coast Guard was answered by lifeboats from Dunmore East, Kilmore Quay and Rosslare who launched to the scene south of Hook Head.
The Coast Guard helicopter from Waterford also monitored the situation overhead ready to assist with evacuations if necessary.
The RNLI crews established tow lines on the drifting ship as it verged close to the rocky shoreline keeping it out of harms reach until a tug boat from Waterford arrived near 6pm.
RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager David Maloney said: "If it wasn't for the work of the three lifeboat crews out in force eight conditions I fear the vessel would have hit the rocks and there could have been a serious loss of life.
"The 4,000 tonne vessel came within a half a mile of the shore and Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay lifeboat crews had an incredibly difficult job in keeping it away from the rocks.
"The seas were huge, and it would not have been pleasant for anyone out there in those conditions.
"The lifeboat crews were out for over twelve hours in a call out that involved serious skill and concentration and I am tremendously proud of all three lifeboat crews involved.
"Thankfully we did not have a tragedy today."
RNLI tugged the ship to the safety of Waterford Harbour in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
