TEENAGE sailors had a lucky escape after venturing out on the water in dangerous weather conditions.
Thames Coastguard were called by three 18-year-old men who were drifting past Burnham Yacht Harbour in a dinghy on the River Crouch.
They had launched from Millfields in Burnham, but were soon caught out by gale-force winds and rough seas.
With no safety equipment on board they were unable to get ashore, but called 999 using a mobile phone.
Burnham RNLI Lifeboat was called to the scene, along with Bradwell Coastguard rescue team on Tuesday.
However, both were cancelled before they arrived as a work boat from Essex Marina got there first and returned the group back to shore safe and well.
A Bradwell Coastguard spokesman said people going out on the water should have appropriate equipment with them.
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