AN elderly windsurfer had to be assisted by coatguards after coming into trouble in choppy waters.

Coastguards received a call from Dave Bowman of Marconi Sailing Club at 11am this morning, reporting that a 74-year-old club member, who had been out windsurfing, had come into difficulties off Osea Island.

Mr Bowman, who oversees the club’s sailboarders, said: “He got caught by a gust of wind and couldn’t get his sail back up. He drifted further and further up river.

“After about 30 minutes I arranged for a much younger windsailer to go out and see if he was okay. I also called out a lifeboat.”

Bradwell Coastguard rescue team was first sent to locate the man.

Dick Townshend, Bradwell Coastguard, confirmed a West Mersea lifeboat was then launched to rescue the man, who was seen to be having “continued difficulties in the choppy sea conditions”.

The windsurfer was landed at Marconi Sailing Club, in Stansgate, near Steeple, and was met by an ambulance crew who had been called as a precautionary measure.

The man, who had been in the water for an hour, declined medical assistance.