An investigation has begun into why engines powering a ferry from Ireland to west Wales failed just off the Irish coast.

The Stena Europe was heading from Rosslare to the port of Fishguard in Pembrokeshire when it lost power in 40mph winds on Thursday afternoon.

The ferry drifted to within one mile of the Tuskar Rocks, which have claimed shipwrecks in the past.

The engineers are quite happy they can trace the problem and it'll be fixed Roy Harris, harbourmaster

At one point, passengers were on the verge of being airlifted off the ship.

However after an hour, two engines were restarted and the ship was able to make her own way to Wales.

The Europe had to berth at Pembroke Dock rather than Fishguard because of the bad weather.

There was another delay for passengers at the port - they had to wait an hour while crew members attempted to put in place ramps not intended for use at Pembroke Dock.

Passengers said there had been some moments of fear as they realised they might have to abandon ship.

One woman told BBC Wales: "I think everybody was a bit frightened. I think we should have gone back, anyway."

Another passenger added: "The captain come on a few times and said if we drifted closer that we would have to be taken away on the helicopters.

The ferry was en route to west Wales

"But there wasn't any need for it in the end."

Fishguard harbourmaster Roy Harris said engineers had isolated the problem.

"Three engines are running - maybe it's in the fourth engine but the engineers are quite happy they can trace the problem and it'll be fixed," he said.

The Irish coastguard had to activate its marine emergency plan as the Swedish-built ferry drifted five miles off the Irish coast.

A Sea King helicopter from RAF Valley on Anglesey, north Wales, joined helicopters from RAF Chivenor in Devon and from Dublin in the rescue operation.

An RAF Nimrod also took part in the operation and lifeboats were sent the scene.