TWO teenagers whose lives were in danger were saved thanks to the quick-thinking and bravery of a leisure park boss. Daniel King, the manager of Osea Leisure Park, in Goldhanger, near Maldon heard the cries for help from the 14-year-olds who were being swept away in a strong tide after their canoe capsized.

TWO teenagers whose lives were in danger were saved thanks to the quick-thinking and bravery of a leisure park boss.

Daniel King, the manager of Osea Leisure Park, in Goldhanger, near Maldon heard the cries for help from the 14-year-olds who were being swept away in a strong tide after their canoe capsized.

The drama started just before 2.30pm yesterday off Osea Island, and Mr King called 999 and remained on the line to the coastguards while he launched his own dinghy with the help of two colleagues.

One of the teenagers was said to be desperately hanging on to a mooring boy and a major rescue operation was launched.

Thames Coastguard called out the West Mersea coastguard rescue team, requested the launch of Mersea RNLI inshore lifeboat and a rescue helicopter was also scrambled.

But all the units were stood down after Mr King and his workers successfully rescued the teenagers.

A spokesman for Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “Both boys were recovered safe and well and reunited with their parents ashore who were relieved and gave their own safety advice to the boys.”

Frank Aubin-Hart , who was watch manager when the rescue happened, said: “Mr King and his colleagues action were entirely praiseworthy and especially as he made a call to the coastguard before proceeding enabling search and rescue units to be called as a back up to his own efforts.

“The teenagers were inexperienced and were caught out by the strong tidal currents in the area, and we would advise anyone who puts a leisure craft on the water to ensure they have received the

appropriate training from a recognised body.”