An overturned boat drifting off the coast of The Lizard saw the lifeboat and coastguard helicopter launch over concerns for her crew.

Volunteers with the Lizard Lifeboat were sent to investigate reports of an upturned boat 25 miles southwest of Lizard Point, with the coastguard helicopter 924 also scrambled.

Under the command of new coxswain Dan Atkinson, the lifeboat arrived on scene just over an hour after launching.

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A Lizard RNLI spokesperson said: "Thankfully it was ascertained that there were no casualties accompanying the boat.

"A tow rope was attached with a view to bringing the boat out of potential harms way to other vessels.

"However, sea conditions proved this to be a very slow, arduous and hazardous task as the stricken boat was slowly sinking under the tow.

Falmouth Packet:

The boat is towed back towards shore. Photo: Lizard RNLI

"After a while it was decided to let the boat drift by itself, allowing the lifeboat to be stood down by Falmouth Coastguard and return to station."

A final accurate position of the boat was passed to Falmouth Coastguard as the lifeboat came away.

The crew arrived back at their station at Kilcobben Cove around four hours after they launched last Tuesday.