A rescue operation was launched after two yachts got trapped off a sandbank near Clacton.
The alarm was raised after crews from the yachts became stranded on Long Sand, ten miles off the coast.
An RAF helicopter from Wattisham and lifeboats from Walton and Harwich were sent to the scene.
A spokesman for Walton coastguard said the vessels were only 50 yards apart and in danger of breaking up as they repeatedly struck the sandbank.
A 65-year-old woman was airlifted from one of the grounded vessels by the search and rescue helicopter.
She had been on the 24ft long Psamathe, which was pulled clear by Walton lifeboat and towed to the town's Titchmarsh marina.
The woman was unhurt but was taken to Clacton Hospital by ambulance for a check-up.
The woman, who asked not to be identified, said: "Everybody was brilliant. I can't speak highly enough of everybody who saved me."
A second member of the crew was unharmed and stayed on board while the boat was towed to safety.
The other yacht, Seawok, had a crew of two men who were in their 50s.
It was towed to Levington marina, on the Orwell, by Harwich lifeboat after it was disabled pulling itself free from the sandbank.
Neither of the men was hurt.
Walton lifeboat press officer, Stewart Oxley said: "We never wanted it to get to a life or death situation. Both boats could have sustained damage very quickly."
A Walton coastguard spokesman said the two incidents were put down to navigational error
Published Tuesday August 27, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article