Falmouth's all weather lifeboat was launched to help a yacht with an engine fire two miles off Pendennis Point on Tuesday morning (11.08).

Falmouth RNLI's volunteer crew launched the boat just before 11am after the coastguard received a mayday distress call from the 8 metre charter Yacht Lochiall, which had with two people on board.

Other vessels in the area also responded and the Falmouth Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team were tasked to meet the yacht on its arrival alongside.

Although originally reported as east of Zone Point, it soon became apparent to the crew that the yacht was in fact two miles south of Pendennis Point, and the lifeboat arrived to find a number of vessels standing by the yacht including a rigid inflatable safety boat from the Falmouth Regatta, which confirmed that the fire was believed to be out.

A crewman was put on board the yacht to check the situation and assist with setting up a tow, before the yacht was taken in to Port Pendennis Marina.

An RNLI spokesperson said: "The charter yacht had been crossing Falmouth Bay when its engine had suddenly stopped and there were indications of a potential fire in the engine compartment.

"The skipper of the yacht put out a Mayday broadcast, left the engine compartment sealed, and stood by to abandon the yacht if required.

"The engine compartment was eventually opened when the yacht was safely alongside the marina where it was found that the damaged was confined to the engine itself."