A PENSIONER was airlifted off a passenger ferry after suffering a suspected heart attack 35 miles off the coast.

A PENSIONER was airlifted off a passenger ferry after suffering a suspected heart attack 35 miles off the coast.

RAF Rescue Helicopter R125 from Wattisham was scrambled to the scene at just before 1.30am yesterday.

A 70-year-old female on board the Stena Hollandica - en route from Harwich to the Hook of Holland - was taken to Ipswich Hospital.

The vessel turned back but was intercepted by the rescue helicopter, which also had support from Felixstowe Coastguard and the East of England Ambulance Service.