Two Cornish competitors in the Atlantic Rowing Race were rescued today just 200 miles from the finishing line, after spending hours clinging to a liferaft.

Bob Warren and Chris Barrett sent out a distress signal after getting into difficulty yesterday afternoon as they competed in the 2,550-nautical mile race.

The pair, on board the Spirit Of Cornwall, left the Canary Islands at the end of November and had hoped to complete the challenge in Antigua, where Olympic rower James Cracknell and TV presenter Ben Fogle arrived last week.

Their Mayday signal was picked up by Falmouth Coastguard and a full-scale search was launched, which included the race’s primary support vessel Aurora, a merchant ship called Rainbow and a Royal Naval destroyer.

The pair were spotted clinging to a life-raft at 10.30pm UK time last night.

HMS Southampton was 140 miles away from the troubled rowers at the time and was called to help rescue them. The ship travelled at a maximum speed of 21 knots through the rough waters to try to help the men.

Navy spokesman Lt Col Andy Price said HMS Southampton was ready to launch a helicopter to rescue the rowers but they were safely picked up by Aurora just before 6am UK time.

"The sea state was pretty hazardous, it was a really uncomfortable route for them," said Lt Col Price. "At a maximum speed, the ship bounces through the waves. The rowers were picked up by the race support vessel and Southampton was released to go back to its drugs work."

Mr Warren and Mr Barrett, both from Cornwall, were said to be deeply disappointed not to finish the race but were in good health.

"They are absolutely fine and completely unharmed," said a spokeswoman for Woodvale Events, which organises the two-yearly race.

The pair were on board one of 26 boats taking part in the Atlantic challenge.

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