An Irish woman has died in a yachting accident off the South African coast.

The 49 year old, and a 61 year old Scottish man died when their boat capsized and ran aground on rocks on the Western Cape, north of Cape Town.

A 66 year old Irish man survived the accident and managed to get to shore to raise the alarm.

All those on board were residents of the Western Cape area, according to South African rescue services.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family of the deceased woman.