Four men have been rescued from the Pacific ocean after their boat started to sink in a 2,400-mile rowing race.

It is understood the Team Pacific Rowers called for help after getting into trouble near the US coast and were airlifted to safety today.

Fraser Hart, a 33-year-old web developer from Tunbridge Wells, is a member of the crew.

The rowers were taking part in the Great Pacific Race between Monterey in California, and Honolulu in Hawaii.

The challenge takes participants between 30 and 90 days. The vessels are not permitted to carry a sail or engine.

Falmouth Coastguard has confirmed it is helping to co-ordinate the rescue mission.

A support boat from the Great Pacific Race was first sent to rescue the men but it was unable to do so due to "dangerous weather conditions".

Chris Martin, race director of the Great Pacific Race, confirmed all four of the men are safe with no reported medical problems.

He said: "From our conversations with the members of Team Pacific Rowers over the previous 24 hours we understand that Britannia 4 had been gradually taking on more and more water and that despite the crew's attempt to stem the ingress, the water level became insurmountable and an evacuation was deemed necessary."

One person wrote on the entrants' Facebook page: "So sorry to hear the news guys, I know too well how it feels. Glad you're all OK and back to safe ground though. All the best and hoping you can get Britannia 4 back to land."

Mr Hart previously spoke to kmfm and said he hoped to raise awareness about the amount of pollution in the ocean.

The other members of the team are Sam Collins, 24, from Cornwall, James White, 35, from London and Colin Parker, 35, from Auckland, New Zealand.