Five canoeists venture out in Force 8 gales
The Harwich inshore and offshore lifeboats were called to the scene off the River Deben estuary just before 12.30pm yesterday. At the time, the north-westerly winds were measuring gale-force eight and the sea was rough. Two canoeists were eventually airlifted to hopital in Ipswich suffering hypothermia and exposure, while a further three were taken by ambulance after being picked up by the lifeboat.

Four stranded by tide in Southampton Water
Solent Coastguard was contacted yesterday by a young man on his mobile phone, who had left Eling in a small speed boat and had become stuck. There were three others on board with no protective clothing, on a falling tide. The Hamble lifeboat was unable to get near the boat and overhead power lines prevented helicopter rescue. With worsening weather, the Hillhead mud rescue team managed to get the four back to shore.

Seriously injured rig worker airlifted off Portland
A 22-year-old man fell 20 feet and sustained serious head injuries early Sunday morning in atrocious conditions off Portland Bill. The injured man was airlifted off a semi-submersible rig that was in transit along the English Channel.