Three lifeboat volunteers have been rescued after their vessel capsized during rough conditions in the Irish Sea.

The experienced crew were on a training exercise south of Ravens Point, off the Co Wexford coast, when they got into trouble.

The RNLI said it lost contact with the members onboard a Wexford inshore lifeboat around midday on Sunday.

After distress flares were spotted, another lifeboat from Rosslare and an Irish Coast Guard helicopter were sent to the scene.

Two crew members managed to keep a grip onto the upturned lifeboat and were winched to safety, but the third volunteer was swept away and was later pulled from the sea about a mile and a half away.

RNLI deputy divisional inspector Gareth Morrison said they were taken to Waterford Regional Hospital for a medical check and all are recovering well.

"The volunteers out on exercise today were experienced members of the lifeboat crew and were training in strong winds and surf," he said.

"The RNLI has commenced a full investigation in liaison with Wexford lifeboat station and the Irish Coast Guard into the incident."