Two kayakers have been pulled from the water in Lough Derg after a major search and rescue operation was carried out this morning.

The Lough Derg volunteer lifeboat, the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 and Gardaí were involved in the mission at 9:30am.

The two kayakers called in the emergency services after getting into difficulty; however, when the lifeboat arrived at their location they were nowhere to be seen.

They were eventually located by the Coast Guard helicopter which hovered above them until the boat arrived.

The two casualties were in the water and holding on their kayaks when the boat arrived.

The crew pulled them from the water and provided casualty care on the boat.

The pair were taken to Garrrykennedy Harbour where they were met by ambulance and paramedics.

Owen Cavanagh, volunteer Helm at Lough Derg RNLI said: “This was a major search and rescue operation today and I’m thankful we were able to rescue these two people from the water with the help of our colleagues.

“The water is extremely cold at this time year and with the two kayakers out of their craft and in the water they needed help immediately.

“Our thoughts are with them and their families and we hope they make a full recovery from their ordeal.”

The lifeboat crew also included Doireann Kennedy, Joe O’Sullivan and Jimmy Kjell Gundegjerde.