Three people have been rescued after their boat got into difficulty off the Cork coast.

The volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew were alerted at 12.39am on Friday to go to the assistance of a 50ft vessel that ran aground in heavy fog.

Sea conditions in the area were calm, however visibility was poor due to fog.

The lifeboat reached the vessel within 15 minutes and a tow was established.

There was no apparent damage to the vessel and no injuries to anyone on board.

The vessel then made its own way to Baltimore harbour, escorted by the lifeboat.

They arrived at the pier just after 1.00am.

Speaking following the call out, Baltimore RNLI press officer Kate Callanan said: "With bad weather forecast for the next few days we would remind everyone taking to the sea to respect the water.

"Always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of calling or signalling for help.

"If you get into difficulty at sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."