Coastguard and RNLI lifeboat crews conducted a major rescue operation off the coast of Cork in Ireland yesterday after a sail training ship hit rocks and started to sink.

Eighteen people were rescued from the floundering tall ship Astrid by crews in life boats from the RNLI, aided by two coastguard search and rescue helicopters.

Twelve other crew members were picked up by a nearby yacht.

There were no reports of injuries.

The 42-metre Dutch ship was visiting the local area on a journey from Southampton to Cherbourg in France.

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