A rescue operation is taking place off the Cork coast after a yacht was damaged in stormy conditions.
Seven people have been stranded on the 40 ft boat since mid afternoon after it lost its rudder in rough seas and high winds.
An RNLI lifeboat arrived alongside the stricken yacht in the last half hour and is trying to tow the boat to safety at Courtmacsherry.
"They're [passengers] still on board and we're starting now so hopefully all will go to plan," an RNLI spokesman said.
Meanwhile six people were rescued from a cruiser on Lough Derg, Co Tipperary, today after strong winds forced it onto rocks.
The incident happened at around 1.40pm near Urra Point.
The RNLI sent a rescue boat to the scene from its base at Dromineer and the six-person crew was brought to safety.
No injuries were reported.
A spokesman said conditions at the time were hazardous and efforts to retrieve the stricken cruiser would not be taken until morning.
PA