A distress call from a mystery yacht off the Cork coast has been deemed a hoax.

A major search operation was launched after a crew-member from the 'blue bird' called the Valencia Coastguard at 9:30 this morning saying they were in danger of sinking near Cork Harbour.

Two helicopters, three coastguard units, three lifeboats and the navy were all called in to take part in the search which stretched right across the base of Ireland from Waterford to Galley Head.

Gerard O'Flynn Coastguard Operations Manager says that what happened today is "regrettable and an unfortunate use of time";