The Lizard Lifeboat has launched to help the crew of a gas tanker in difficulties.

The tanker starting having mechanical problems one mile off Bass Point. The crew is currently trying to anchor, but has so far been unable to do so.

A six-man Lizard Lifeboat crew, under the command of coxswain Phil Burgess, launched at 10.55am to go and support the 14 crewmembers onboard the tanker.

The lifeboat has been asked to stand by should the situation worsen and make it necessary for the tanker crew to abandon ship.

A tug from the Maritime Coastguard Agency has also gone out to help.

Clare Julier, from the Lizard Lifeboat Station, said the lifeboat was able to launch without too many problems from its base at Kilcobben Cove, despite the strong winds buffering the county at the moment, as the cove is quite sheltered.