The Idorene Reefer, a refrigerated cargo vessel, was towed out of Bermuda waters and headed for Vigo, Spain, yesterday.

Don MacPherson, a spokesperson for the ship's local agent, John S. Darrell, said: "The Idorene Reefer was towed out of Bermuda waters by local tugs and the ocean-going tug, the Elsbeth III.

The Elsbeth III, which had come in from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, suffered earlier hydraulic problems, delaying its departure with the crippled ship until yesterday.

"The hydraulic parts were located and the problems resolved and they left Dockyard yesterday at 8 a.m.", said Mr. MacPherson.

He added: "The journey to Spain is expected to take between 16 to 18 days.

"Once they reach open water, they will move quite quickly, the worst will be taking them out of Bermuda waters, because she is a dead ship."

When they reach Spain they will then unload the ship's cargo, said to be frozen lobster tails worth between an estimated $10-12 million. Back-up generators have kept the refrigerators working so the cargo did not spoil.

The Cuban crew aboard the Idorene Reefer was ready to leave Bermuda after almost three weeks after it was determined repairs could not be carried out on Bermuda; the engine problems will be fixed in Spain.

Third mate, Hernandos Rolando, said: "We think we will be in Spain until after the new year because of the repairs."

The captain, Daniel Rojas, while checking over the Elsbeth III said: "We are happy to be leaving here... We have been ready to go since Tuesday, but the tug has just arrived today to tow us."

The 23 year-old, Idorene Reefer, suffered main engine failure almost three weeks ago. It was towed into Bermuda by the Atlantic Salvor.

Its engine problems were believed to be a broken crankshaft.

The Idorene Reefer wason route from Cuba to Spain and was 270 miles southeast of Bermuda when the engine problems were reported to Harbour Radio.