Reality TV ship runs aground

A ship involved in RTE's reality TV series 'Cabin Fever' ran aground today.

Rescue services helped seven people to safety after the boat hit rocks near Tory Island, Co Donegal.

All the passengers were said to be safe and well and four others remained aboard.

Crew members sent out a distress call at around 1.30pm.

The Arranmore lifeboat was attempting to pull the ship off the rocks but it was feared that the vessel was badly damaged.

A portable pump was dropped on to the ship from an Aer Corps rescue helicopter.

It was hoped that a high tide may help the captain to refloat the boat.

A spokesman for Coco Productions, which makes the programme for RTE, said they were relieved that nobody was hurt.

The ship is carrying 10 contestants around the coast of Ireland for eight weeks as they compete for a cash prize.

Producers billed it as the biggest television event in Ireland this summer.

Even if the boat can be refloated, it seems likely she'll have to be towed into port for assessment and repair, with a high chance of damage beneath the water line.