Two seafarers have been rescued by the US Coast Guard (USCG) after the lifeboat they were working on was accidently released into the sea.

The incident involving the 73,933 -dwt Chemtrans Nova (built 2006) occurred some 70 miles off the coast of Chincoteague, Virginia.

The crew of the Chemikalien Seetransport owned tanker are reported to have contacted USCG Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders to request assistance.