Falmouth Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) is still out of action following a lightning strike late on Saturday night.

Its monitoring and co-ordination functions has been taken over by Brixham MRCC.

It is hoped workmen will be able to complete repairs by the end of today.

Following the lightning strike at around 11pm Falmouth MRCC was also evacuated because of smoke coming from electrical equipment.

Cornwall Fire Brigade were asked to attend. The building was checked and although physically unmarked there appeared to be significant damage to the communications equipment.

During the closure of Falmouth, Coastguard Officers are operating three “remote” stations at The Lizard, Trevose and Lands End.

These “remote” stations are undertaking radio checks, monitored radio frequencies and responding to alerts from shipping.

Richard Parkes, Duty Director for the MCA said: “I'm relieved that none of our staff were injured. All our MRCCs are paired with another for exactly a situation like this so Brixham should be able to operate as Falmouth without the public even realising. We have extended our operations by using the remote stations at The Lizard, Trevose and Lands End.”