Lifeboat crews were called to help a fisherman who suffered a seizure off the coast of Clacton this morning.

The Clacton RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat was called to the fishing boat at 11.55am, where a fisherman aged in his 50s from Brightlingsea had collapsed in the boat.

The fisherman was one of three individuals on board the boat.

Lifeboat helmsman Tim Sutton, said: ““He was found face down in the cabin after going down for a sleep.

“We put crewman Darren Simper on board and he carried out an assessment of the man.

“At the same time the RAF Search and Rescue Helicopter from Wattisham, which was already in the air, was called to the scene.

“We got into position below the helicopter and took the winchman onto the lifeboat.

“He then carried out his own assessment of the casualty, who was then winched up to the helicopter.”

The fisherman was taken to Colchester General Hospital for further treatment.

Mr Sutton added: “This was a good, quick medical evacuation thanks to our crew and our colleagues from the rescue helicopter – we hope the casualty makes a quick recovery.”

The lifeboat crew had returned to station by 12.45pm.