A man trapped in a boat was rescued by emergency crews after his calls for help were heard by passers by.

Firefighters from Tillingham were called to Waterside Road, Bradwell-on-Sea after a man became trapped in his boat after a fall.

Crews arrived at the scene at 7.13pm on Saturday. The man had fallen into the engine bay in his boat and was trapped upside down.

The South Woodham Coastguard Rescue Team and the fire service worked to free the man.

Coastguard rescue officer Scott Barnard said: “We hadn’t yet made it back to station following the mud rescue incident, before being tasked to Bradwell Marina just after 7pm for reports of an elderly male who had fallen onboard his vessel and become trapped inside the engine compartment.

“It is believed the casualty had fallen at approximately 5pm. Fortunately his calls for help were heard by passers by who raised the alarm and called the rescue services.

“Coastguard rescue officers arrived on scene and quickly assessed the casualty who was found trapped in the engine bay.

“It was clear that this was not going to be an easy rescue with the casualty being in such a confined space, and difficult conditions.

“Emergency teams worked closely together to clear space onboard the vessel to aid the removal of the casualty and was safely left in the care of the ambulance service.”

He required hospital care but the precise details of his injuries are unconfirmed.