A rescue operation involving lifeboats and the Essex Police helicopter had to be launched when high winds threw a yacht race into chaos.
The dramatic rescue began at around 12.45pm yesterday off the coast of Southend, according to an Essex Police spokesman.
A race being held by a private club involving at least six boats had to abandoned after just five minutes when high winds put some of the fleet into difficulties.
At least three boats experienced serious problems and one yacht capsized in the bad conditions.
The Essex Police helicopter helped co-ordinate the rescue operation to save the sailors mounted by the RNLI station at Southend. Three lifeboats were used to pick up the stranded racers.
By 1.30pm all the participants were accounted for. None of the sailors sustained any injuries.
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article