Published Saturday, 31 December 2011
The Genmar Companion has been anchored two miles off the Co Down coastline since 16 December, when the captain reported cracks on its deck.
It was sailing from Holland to the United States with a cargo of 54,000 tonnes of oil when the damage was discovered.
It is understood another tanker is currently making its way to the stricken ship to remove the oil before it can make its way to Belfast for repair.
The procedure is likely to take between 24 and 36 hours to complete.
But local independent councillor Alan Chambers says he is concerned about the impact on the local environment if something goes wrong.
"This area is an area of special scientific interest," Mr Chambers told UTV.
"The Copeland islands are home to a great deal of birdlife so any form of pollution would be a total disaster for this area.
"My main concern is that this whole thing started in Rotterdam and culminated in the ship getting into distress off the coast of Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean and suddenly it has appeared here two miles off the North Down coast.
"I just don't believe it is our problem but it has suddenly become our problem."
Once the cargo has been removed the ship will be towed into Belfast Harbour for repair.
The operation is expected to get underway on Sunday.