A father-of-five today told how he was lucky to be alive after falling into chilly seas off Jaywick and being struck by his boat's propeller.

Alan Farra, 35, praised his 19-year-old son, Daniel, for his prompt actions - as well as the crew of the Clacton lifeboat and paramedics in the Essex Air Ambulance.

"I am a very lucky man and the more I think about what happened the more I realise I shouldn't be here today," he said.

"Looking back, if it was not for Daniel and the others I would be dead, I have no doubts about that."

Mr Farra, of Warwick Road, Clacton, said it was a sunny day with a calm sea when they took their fun boat out to give it a run.

However, it was as he and Daniel were returning to shore the boat suddenly dipped in the water and he was thrown backwards out of the boat.

"I kept hold and went backwards and the boat turned so the engine was coming towards me," he said.

"I felt the propeller hit my leg and was then dragged under the boat. My trousers were shredded and I was running out of breath - I really thought that was it for me."

Luckily, after a moment of panic, Daniel cut the engine. Mr Farra struggled free from under the boat and tried to grab the side but his hand slipped off.

"I was freezing cold and had no strength but then I heard Daniel call and managed to put my arm up," he added. "Daniel grabbed hold and managed to pull me aboard."

Mr Farra then used his son's mobile phone to call the coastguards at Walton for help. He was rescued by Clacton lifeboat and the Essex Air Ambulance took him to Colchester where cuts and bruises to his head, leg and arm were treated.

"I have my son, the lifeboat crew and paramedics to thank for being here today," he said. And he had strong words of advice for others taking to the water.

He said he was not exactly experienced but knew what he was doing in a boat.

"However, I should not have gone out when the water was that cold - even though it was calm.

"I should have had a lifejacket and a wetsuit on. Hopefully by telling of my experience it may help to save someone else."

Mr Farra added he was relieved his son had remembered what he had told him about always switching off the engine if anyone went overboard.

Safe at home - Alan Farra, back in Clacton with his son Daniel, who helped save him from the sea.

Picture: TERRY WEEDEN.

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