Four people have been rescued from a fishing boat that ran aground off the Donegal coast.

The Irish Coast Guard said the 12-metre boat ran aground on Inis Meáin Island off West Donegal in the early hours of this morning.

The Rescue Coordination Centre at Malin Head received a distress call at around 6am and the Sligo-based Rescue 118 helicopter was immediately dispatched alongside the Aranmore all-weather lifeboat and Bunbeg Coast Guard Unit.

All four people were airlifted from the stricken vessel and landed ashore at Donegal Airport.

A Coast Guard spokesperson said it is believed all four are doing well and did not require medical attention.

Main image shows the boat during the Irish Coast Guard REscue on Inis Meáin. Image: Irish Coast Guard/CHC Ireland