A GRATEFUL fisherman has praised two marine police officers after they rescued him and his friends off the coast at Bradwell.
Terry Geoghegan’s boat broke down after developing engine trouble during a fishing trip.
Essex Police marine officers, from the Tendring district branch, heard the boat's call and immediately went to help.
Mr Geoghegan, from Latchingdon, said: “We’d been drifting helplessly so when we saw their boat racing towards us, we were delighted.
“The officers were incredible. I’m blown away with how they dealt with the situation. They calmed us all down and towed us back to Bradwell Marina.
“They were so professional it was very reassuring and I want to thank them so much.”
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Mr Geoghegan had been returning to Bradwell with two friends, who are in their 80s, when the engine of their fishing boat failed in 30C heat at about 2pm on June 24.
PC Daren Chambers and PC Jonathan Holby were able to tow the three men and the boat back to Bradwell but, as it was low water, had to secure it outside the marina.
The two officers were aboard the Essex Police rib Sentinel on the force's Operation Wave-Breaker patrols.
PC Chambers said: “We were in the right place at the right time. Mr Geoghegan had done everything right.
"He anchored and calmly called for assistance on Channel 16. This made it so much easier for us to locate them.
“We’re glad we could help before their situation got worse. It was fortunate they were able to anchor before running aground on the flats.”
After securing Mr Geoghegan’s boat and getting everyone ashore, the two officers continued their patrol up the coast towards Frinton and Walton.
Although PC Holby is new to the Marine Unit, he is already experienced at rescuing stricken boats at sea – this was his fourth rescue in two months.
Operation Wave-Breaker is part of the Marine Unit’s work to reduce anti-social behaviour in the water during the spring and summer as visitors flock to the Essex coast.
It combines high-visibility patrols and education with enforcement of water byelaws.
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