VOLUNTEER lifesavers from Clacton were called out to help three fisherman after their boat started sinking.

The Christine Marie, a 25ft fishing vessel started to sink at Dengie Flats after their boat hit something under the water.

Clacton RNLI inshore lifeboat was sent out to help just before 1pm on Saturday.

They arrived to find only the top half of the boat poking up through the surface of the water.

Helmsman Danny Thatcher said: “When we got there the boat had already sunk and you could see it on the bottom.

“A passing yacht coming out of Burnham picked up the three crew members, who were safe and well.

“The yacht was happy to take them back to Burnham. We are grateful to the yacht’s crew for its assistance.”