A member of Canvey Coastguard today told of the dramatic rescue of a sailor suffering from hypothermia, who hadn't realised he had broken three toes because they were frozen solid.
At around 11.30pm on Saturday Canvey Coastguard received a 999 call from a distressed lone sailor telling them that his boat's engine had broken down and he was stranded.
The owner of the 14ft vessel, a Mr Wallace, described his location on the phone despite it being pitch dark.
And thanks to the expertise and local knowledge of the coastguard they were able to find him.
Mr Wallace was drifting down Benfleet Creek by Benfleet railway station when the rescue services found him.
The members of the Canvey Coastguard towed the vessel for 40 minutes until they reached a safe mooring. Mr Wallace was rushed to Basildon Hospital.
Published Monday October 21, 2002
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