35 saved from freezing lake

A tragedy was narrowly averted last night when 35 people were rescued from Lough Derg after boat crews taking part in an international rowing event got into difficulty.

A massive search and rescue operation was launched just after 5.30pm when a member of the public reported several rowing boats in difficulty to the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre.

About 18 vessels, each with five people on board, were taking part in the international rowing event, racing from Dromineer in Co Tipperary to Killaloe in Co Clare.