The arrival in Dublin of a controversial floating abortion clinic, the so-called "Women On Waves" ship, has been delayed because of bad weather.
The vessel is expected to reach Ireland tomorrow, when it will sail into a legal row over whether it is able to offer abortions or the abortifacient RU486 pill.
A number of pregnancy counselling clinics said they were "overwhelmed and shocked" at the number of women who have contacted them seeking abortions on the ship.
The Aurora set sail from a Dutch port on Monday but is not due to arrive until tomorrow. It is expected to dock at either Sir John Rogerson's Quay or the opposite North Wall Quay before going on to Cork and other ports during its 10day visit.
A spokeswoman for the Aurora said: "The ship is now delayed because of rough seas and bad weather." The floating clinic is fitted with an operating theatre and equipment to carry out abortions. Anyone seeking abortions or the RU486 pill will board the ship before it sails 12 miles into international waters. Staff from the Amsterdam-based Women on Waves Foundation could face 4 1/2 years in prison if they administer the abortion pill to pregnant women, the Dutch Justice Minister has warned.
A quarter of the women who attend the Marie Stopes clinic in Dublin had cancelled their appointments there this morning, because they believed they would get abortions on the ship, according to the director, Ms Deirdre Jones, who said it was "not the answer to the problem".