Fifteen people have been rescued after being swept out to sea in Co Donegal.
They got into difficulty while swimming from Magheroarty Pier on Tuesday afternoon.
The operation was coordinated by the Malin Head Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre, which received a number of emergency calls at around 4.00pm, reporting persons in difficulty off the coast.
Support was also provided by the Tory Ferry Queen of Aran and Mulroy Coast Guard Unit.
Irish Coast Guard rescue 15 people swept out to sea in Donegal.
Rescue 118, has airlifted 10 people to hospital in Letterkenny after 15 People got into difficulty while swimming from Magheroarty pier this afternoon.
All 15 casualties were successfully rescued.#IrishCoastGuard pic.twitter.com/P6f8ekrzRy
— Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) August 13, 2019
All 15 people were rescued and 10 were airlifted to Letterkenny Hosiptal by the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 118.
A Coast Guard spokesperson said it was a "very lucky outcome" and thanked the public for alerting them.
"The helicopter crew deserve special commendation for their efficient response to a difficult challenge, as do staff in Malin Head for coordinating an operation with a successful outcome", they added.
Speaking to Highland Radio, local Councillor Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig also praised all those involved.
"First thing I'd like to say is that nobody was hurt seriously.
"I'd like to praise the fishing community, the young lads and all involved who went out there and was able to save the people who were in difficulty in the water.
"The Coast Guard helicopter, all the emergency services - from the ambulances to everybody involved - and to the community itself in Magheroarty".
From the scene of a major rescue at Magheroarty beach this afternoon. A number of people were rescued having been swept out to sea. There are no fatalities. Ten people are on the way to Letterkenny Hospital in the rescue 118 helicopter. Up to 3 more after waiting on an ambulance. pic.twitter.com/0wBj0KsRxT
— Greg Hughes (@GregHughes2) August 13, 2019
