An early morning wakeup for the crew of the Lizard Lifeboat led to a ten-hour rescue at sea.

Monday saw an early start and a very long day for the volunteer crew members as their pagers sounded a 4.07am.

After receiving a mayday call, Falmouth Coastguard tasked the lifeboat to go to the help of a stricken sailing vessel that was 32 nautical miles south east of the station at Kilcobben Cove.

With two people on board, the vessel had lost the use of its rudder and mainsail and they were drifting precariously.

Fishing Protection vessel 'Ocean Osprey' was six nautical miles away from the yacht and headed in its direction to stand by until the lifeboat could arrive over an hour later.

Conditions on scene were described as poor, with a rough sea.

A Lizard Lifeboat spokesperson said: "After ascertaining that the rudder on the vessel was fouled and it would also be unable to sail, a decision was taken to attach a tow line to guide the yacht to the nearest safe and suitable port."

Under the command of coxswain Dan Atkinson, RNLB Rose made a long and careful tow of the vessel to Falmouth Harbour, arriving just over seven hours later.

The lifeboat and her crew finally arrived back at their home station at around 5pm, after over ten hours at sea.