Firefighters from Maldon, Basildon and Urban Search and Rescue were called to the Maldon coast yesterday to support a sailor in need of assistance. 

Support was called to Promenade Park around 2.40pm yesterday after a sailor came into difficulty on his boat near the mudflats by Maldon Yacht Club.

The helicopter is based at Lydd Airport in Kent. (Credit: Maldon Fire Station - Essex County Fire & Rescue Service)

Due to the man being over 300m from shore, firefighters called upon the AgustaWestland 139 Search & Rescue helicopter which later airlifted the man to dry land following a welfare check.