AN elderly couple were airlifted to hospital after their dinghy overturned in an Essex river.

Annie Davidson

AN elderly couple were airlifted to hospital after their dinghy overturned in an Essex river.

The pair were picked up by West Mersea lifeboat after plunging into the River Blackwater by the Marconi Sailing Club near Bradwell just after 5.30pm yesterday.

Emergency services were alerted after the couple, who were both in their sixties, were spotted clinging to an overturned dinghy.

They were flown to Colchester General Hospital by the rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham for treatment for cold and shock but discharged after treatment.