A yachtsman bound for Falmouth on a transatlantic crossing has died after being pulled from the sea off the Lizard peninsula on Monday afternoon.

The alarm was raised at 1.45pm after Philip Walwyn's 12 metre yacht Kate was seen by another vessel with sails up and nobody on board, going around in circles.

The Lizard lifeboat and both Falmouth lifeboats were launched, and searched an area north east of the Lizard point along with a rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, the Porthoustock Coastguard Rescue Team and local yachts.

Mr Walwyn was after found in the water between the Lizard and Coverack, and taken to hospital in a very serious condition, where he later died.

The 68 year old from St Kitts, who was sailing from the Azores, had been expected in Falmouth on Monday as he completed his 17th solo crossing of the Atlantic.

The St Kitts Yacht Club paid tribute to Mr Walwyn, a past Commodore and "one of the world's utmost sailing legends."

In a statement, the club said: "Philip is a man that has come into so many peoples lives and has given his heart and soul to everyone and everything he's ever encountered."

"We all give thanks to Philip, to his knowledge and sense of humor; whether it be sea or land. Philip will always be remembered for his heroism, his honor and his very silly sense of humor.

"Philip will forever be in our thoughts and our hearts, and we will all remember the wisdom that he has bestowed upon us. Philip, you have touched so many people worldwide. Thank you."