Two people airlifted from sinking yacht on Shannon

Two people have been rescued from a sinking boat in the Shannon Estuary this afternoon.

The rescue operation was launched after the crew of a 30-foot yacht reported that they had ran aground between Aughinish and Foynes, County Limerick.

An Irish Coast Guard helicopter arrived at the scene shortly after 3pm, and two people were lifted to safety.

The Clare-based Kilrush Lifeboat was also involved in the operation, and remained at the scene to assess the damage to the yacht.