LIFEBOAT crew went to the rescue of seven people aboard a broken-down cabin cruiser, drifting in the dark off Polperro.

Looe RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Sheila and Dennis Tongue II on Monday evening (August 28).

They found the 28 foot vessel two miles south west of Polperro.

Arriving on scene 16 minutes after being called, the crew of Clive Palfrey, Brian Bowdler, John Crabb and Aaron Rix found the boat had a fuel problem and was drifting in the calm sea.

A tow line was established and the Atlantic 85 towed the cabin cruiser back into Polperro harbour.

Operations manager David Haines said: ‘Boats with machinery failure are one of the largest causes of RNLI service call outs.

‘We advise all boat users to inspect their craft for any defects before heading out to sea, check you have enough fuel for your planned journey and take a working VHF radio with you.’