15 rescued after boat runs aground in Lough Derg

Fifteen people have been brought to safety overnight, after a ship ran aground on Lough Derg.

The alarm was raised when the 40ft cruiser got into difficulty near Cormorant Island.

The skipper of the vessel said he become disorientated during heavy rain and took a turn to port too early.

The cruiser then grounded on a rocky shelf, in shallow water.

It was taken off the rocks and towed to safety by the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat.

"Lough Derg is a wonderful tourist resort with many varied attractions for all," said Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat spokesperson Charles Stanley Smith.

"However all lake users should take simple safety measures: wear a lifejacket, get familiar with lake charts, carry a means of calling for help, check engine and fuel, tell others where you are going and check the weather before your journey."