Three people have been rescued after their sailing yacht ran aground in Co Clare this afternoon, writes Patrick Flynn.

The 20ft vessel got into difficulty off Finavarra in Galway Bay at about 2.30pm. It is understood the boat suffered engine failure.

The Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard and Galway RNLI lifeboat were alerted and quickly launched their rescue boats.

Rescue teams located the vessel on rocks close to the Martello Tower at Finavarra. A local fisherman, who was in the area at the time, also offered assistance.

The sail boat was taken on tow by the RNLI crew and brought to Renville in Galway.

Those on board were unharmed.