Crew from the Shotley Ferry and an RNLI mechanic helped rescue a man that fell into the water by Harwich harbour.

Quick thinking and team work ensured the person was pulled safely from the river after sand by RNLI mechanic Dan Howe quick put on a drysuit and lifejacket and went into the water.

RNLI manager Peter Bull, who was on his way to a management group meeting at Harwich RNLI, witnessed the scene

Mr Bull saw a man clinging to a small boat and the Shotley Ferry trying to get close without success.

When he paged the lifeboat crew, but the rescue was quickly carried out

The skipper of the Shotley Ferry lowered the boarding ramp usually used on Felixstowe beach to help bring the stricken many aboard.

Lifeboat manager Peter Bull (Picture credit: Harwich RNLI)

Mr Bull said: "It's not every day we have an incident right on our doorstep, which I can get involved in.

"The quick thinking and speed of Dan, along with the assistance of Paul and the Shotley Ferry crew, this was an amazing piece of teamwork, resulting in a positive outcome."

Harwich RNLI's second Coxswain Paul Griffin also arrived while the ferry was manoeuvring and helped pull the casualty out of the water.

After a thorough examination by paramedics the cold and wet casualty was allowed to go home.

Shotley ferry aproaching Harwich with boarding ramp showing (Picture credit: Nub News)