The Canadian-registered 45-foot yacht got into difficulty off the coast of County Donegal in northwestern Ireland. Watch the rescue below!

Two Canadian sailors had to be airlifted to safety after their yacht ran aground off the coast of County Donegal in northwestern Ireland.

The crew of the Arranmore RNLI all-weather lifeboat were scrambled in the early hours of the morning after the yacht’s skipper requested assistance from the Irish Coast Guard.

The 45-foot yacht had got into difficulty at St John’s Point and run aground on the reef.

The Killybegs Coast Guard Unit was also tasked to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were described as blowing a Force 4-5 northwesterly wind with a two metre swell.

On arrival, the RNLI crew found that the yacht was right up on the reef, and taking on water.

This made it difficult for the Coast Guard’s inshore boat and the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat to get close to the casualties.

The decision was made to airlift the sailors from the vessel and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo was tasked.

The two Canadians were winched from the yacht to safety.

Speaking following the call out, Arranmore RNLI mechanic, Philip McCauley said: “This was a challenging call out for ourselves and our colleagues in the Coast Guard due to where the vessel had ran aground so close to the rocks.”

“We were able to assist the helicopter with providing extra light in the darkness as it winched the sailors to safety. We would like to wish them both well following their ordeal,” he added.

The rescue happened on 19 October, 2016.