A WOMAN was rescued from the freezing waters of the Thames Estuary after she jumped in and was dragged out to sea by the strong current.

The woman - who was floating on her back but still conscious - was plucked to safety by a crew from the RNLI inshore lifeboat who arrived in about five minutes.

An ambulance waiting on the shore gave her oxygen and tried to warm her up as they took her to Southend Hospital where she was expected to make a full recovery.

Published Monday, January 16, 2005