The sites have received messages from around the world

People from as far afield as Canada and Australia have posted their thoughts.

Former service personnel and schoolchildren are among those who have left messages for the abducted crew of the Devonport-based ship.

The eight sailors and seven marines were taken at gunpoint by Iran's forces who said they were in its waters.

Since the BBC pages were put up on Tuesday, both sites have been flooded with goodwill messages, with 162 on the Cornwall site.

BBC Radio Cornwall's Matt Pengelly said they have been amazed at the show of support.

They've come in from all over the world, all different age groups Matt Pengelly, BBC Radio Cornwall BBC Cornwall message page BBC Devon message page

"When we suggested to the ship we could relay messages of goodwill and support from the people of Cornwall, they thought it was a great idea," he said.

"But we had no idea we would get such a great reaction.

"They've come in from all over the world - all different age groups.

"We've had them from Royal Navy veterans, schoolchildren, families, local groups, the lot."

In their message George and Wendy in St Austell paid tribute to the "brave people who defend our nation", while Shirley from Oklahoma City, USA, said she was "praying for their safe return".

Peter from Plymouth's message read: "The beer is in the barrel and the pasties in the oven, all we need is you to return safely."

Iraqi waters

The ship's Cdr Jeremy Woods thanked people for their support in an email to the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Lady Mary Holborrow on Wednesday.

He said: "Morale on board is subdued, but positive and professional in manner.

"We just want to get our people back and crack on with the job at hand."

Iran has claimed the group was trespassing in Iranian waters, but the UK has insisted the group was in Iraqi waters under a UN mandate.