LATEST: Five rescued from water after two boats capsize off Cork coast 

LATEST: Five people were taken from the water at Knockadoon Pier this afternoon, after two small boats capsized. 

A Coast Guard spokesperson said the Irish Coast Guard was alerted to an incident, involving five people who had gotten into difficulty while sailing off the coast of Knockadoon Head.

"A rescue operation was coordinated by the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre Dublin in conjunction local gardaí," the spokesperson said. 

"Coast Guard helicopter R117 along with Youghal Coast Guard Unit and Youghal RNLI were tasked to the scene where two small sailing boats had capsized."

All five casualties were taken safely from the water and were brought onshore by an RNLI Lifeboat.

EARLIER: Emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident at Knockadoon Pier.

Gardaí attached to Youghal Garda Station are currently at the scene where there are reports that two boats have capsized off Knockadoon Pier.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 pm this afternoon.

Gardaí have been advised that the Coast Guard have removed five people from the water.