LIFEBOAT crews were called to the aid of a fisherman who suffered a seizure off Clacton.

Clacton RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was called to the fishing boat, which had three people on board, at 11.55am on Monday.

The fisherman, who is aged in his 50s and from Brightlingsea, had collapsed in the boat, which was two miles south of Clacton.

Lifeboat helmsman Tim Sutton said: “We were tasked by Thames Coastguard to a medical evacuation.

“He was found face down in the cabin after going down to sleep.

“We put crewman Darren Simper on board and he carried out an assessment of the man.

“At the same time the RAF Search and Rescue Helicopter from Wattisham, which was already in the air, was called to the scene.

“We got into position below the helicopter and took the winchman onto the lifeboat.

“He then carried out his own assessment of the casualty, who was then winched up to the helicopter.”

The casualty was then taken to Colchester General Hospital for further treatment.

Mr Sutton added: “This was a good, quick medical evacuation thanks to our crew and our colleagues from the rescue helicopter – we hope the casualty makes a quick recovery.”

The lifeboat crew, which included helmsman Tim Sutton and crewmen Darren Simper and Steve Beardsley, returned to their Hastings Avenue station by 12.45pm.