LIFEBOAT crewmen have spoken of their “heart-breaking” attempt to save a 59-year-old man who is thought to have drowned after trying to save a pet dog.

The man, who was pulled from the water off St Osyth, died despite the efforts of the emergency services to save him.

Essex Police’s marine unit, Clacton RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat and the Coastguard were called to the scene, just off Lee-Over-Sands, following an emergency call from a boat.

It was reported that a man who had been on board the boat was not responding after going into the water at about 1.10pm on Saturday. It is understood he was trying to save a dog.

Within minutes Clacton RNLI’s lifeboat had launched and raced to the scene which was three miles south west of the boathouse.

The lifeboat arrived at the same time as Essex Police marine units, who were already in the area.

A spokesman for Clacton RNLI said: “Two lifeboat crew members jumped aboard the police vessel and pulled the casualty from the water and commenced casualty care immediately while the police vessel and lifeboat made best speed for Brightlingsea Harbour where other emergency services were on route to.

“The man, who was not breathing, was taken to hospital by the ambulance service but attempts to save his life were sadly unsuccessful.

“The vessel and its three other occupants were towed to Brightlingsea by the other Essex Police marine unit vessel. The thoughts of everyone at Clacton Lifeboat Station are with the friends and family of the man and those who were involved in the incident.”

“We would like to thank all the emergency services, including Clacton Coastguard, Walton Coastguard, Essex Police, the East of England Ambulance, First Responders, the Air Ambulance and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, for their efforts “It was heart-breaking that despite excellent teamwork from all the services involved that the man’s life could not be saved.”

Jenny Shaw, who lives at Brightlingsea Marina, saw the tragedy unfold from her balcony.

She said: “It was a beautiful day and I was watching the sailing club boats. All of a sudden the police boat came into the jetty and the atmosphere changed. I could tell something serious had happened and could then make out that they carrying out chest compressions.

“The rescue helicopter arrived and it was almost on my balcony.

“The whole thing lasted maybe three hours before the person was taken away by an ambulance.

“It was incredibly moving to see the speed at which the emergency services arrived and how hard they worked to try to save the man’s life. It is sad he could not be saved.”

The man’s dog was rescued and brought ashore by a jet-skier.

The man was taken to Colchester General Hospital by the East of England Ambulance Service in a critical condition, but was sadly pronounced dead shortly before 4pm.

A spokesman for Essex Police said a file will be prepared for the coroner.