Irish woman drowns after yacht capsizes off South Africa

An Irish woman has died after the yacht in which she was travelling hit rocks off the coast of South Africa on Monday.

The 49-year-old woman and a 61-year-old Scottish man died in the incident which occured in calm seas north of Cape Town.

The 66-year-old Irish skipper of the vessel survived. He suffered a gash to the head and was bleeding when he reached the beach where he was able to raise the alarm.

Photographs published in the South African press showed the remains of the yacht on the rocks along the coast.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman confirmed its officials were aware of "the death of an Irish citizen in the Western Cape and consular assistance is being provided".

No further details were available on Monday night.

A National Sea Rescue Institute spokesman in South Africa said the yacht capsized after it struck rocks.