A MOTOR CRUISER ran aground near Porthleven late last night.

The 22 foot vessel had drifted after its anchor rope parted, but its VHF radio did not work so the two-man crew was unable to call for help.

The alarm was raised by a member of the public who dialled 999 and Penlee Lifeboat and Cliff Rescue teams came to the aid of the boat, which was travelling from Plymouth to the Isle of Man.

The all-weather lifeboat ‘Ivan Ellen’ and the Inshore lifeboat 'Mollie and Ivor Dent’ launched from Newlyn and were quickly on the scene after speeding across Mount’s Bay.

On arrival the Inshore lifeboat was guided into the shore by the Porthleven coastguards. The volunteer crew quickly located a 22-foot motor vessel, with two persons onboard, aground on a beach just east of Porthleven.

In difficult conditions and shallow water the volunteer crew of the Inshore lifeboat managed to get a rope to the stricken vessel and slowly towed it off the beach.

Crewman Jack Shannon, was transferred to the motor vessel and the tow was passed to the all-weather lifeboat ‘Ivan Ellen’.

Because of the low tide a decision was made to tow the vessel to Newlyn - at 1am both lifeboats and the casualty vessel arrived safely in Newlyn Harbour.

Falmouth Coastguard Operations Centre coordinated the rescue and Penlee Lifeboat was assisted by coastguards from Porthleven and Mullion, who lit up the sea and vessel with powerful search lights.