Rescuers winched a man to safety after his boat capsized off an island in the estuary of the River Blackwater, Essex.

The West Mersea lifeboat was launched to the scene near Osea Island at about 2.20pm yesterday, following a report from a member of the public at Marconi Sailing Club on the shore opposite the island.

South Woodham coastguard team and the RAF Seaking helicopter were also sent to help rescue the man, who was beginning to suffer hypothermia after his boat capsized.

The man was pulled into the lifeboat and winched into the helicopter. He was then flown to Colchester Hospital, where Clacton coastguard team manned the landing site.