Rescuers on the way to stricken boat

Rescue services are en route to a stricken yacht which has made a May Day distress call off the South Coast.

The call was received shortly after 10am this morning from the yacht's single crew member, 25 miles south of the old head of Kinsale.

The Irish coastguard rescue helicopter, a lifeboat and two navy vessels are on their way to help the stricken vessel.

Navy spokesman Lt Commander Martin Brett said conditions at sea today are extreme which has made it difficult for the French fishing trawler to rescue the yacht.