A 21-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after being thrown from a what is known as a 'doughnut' - a large rubber ring - being towed behind a speedboat in the River Blackwater at the weekend.

Ben Lawton, who lives in Broad Street Green, Great Totham is now recovering from his ordeal and this week and thanked rescuers who saved him.

The accident happened on Saturday just after 4pm when the crew of a 16 foot speedboat Budweizer, which was in mid river off Bradwell Marina, telephoned coastguards to report one of their crew was in trouble.

Ben said: "I came out of the 'doughnut' and hit the water funny, and apparently pulling my shoulder out of joint."

His two friends on board tried desperately but were unable to recover him from the water as his injuries left him in extreme pain and he was unable to move.

Bradwell coastguard called West Mersea Lifeboat which was soon on scene followed by an RAF Rescue helicopter which was scrambled from its Wattisham base in Suffolk.

On arrival at the scene a paramedic winchman was lowered from the helicopter and Ben was airlifted to the aircraft before being flown to Colchester General Hospital for emergency treatment.

Ben was due to return to hospital yesterday (Thursday), for further checks and said he was very impressed by all those involved in the rescue operation.

He was grateful for the help from the emergency services adding: "I would like to say thank you very much, they did a great job."

Despite the horrors of the accident it has still not put him off going back to the water as soon as he is fully fit.

Airlift man: Ben Lawton recovering from his ordeal.

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