A MAN was rescued by coastguards after he fell ill while out walking.

Coastguards received a call just after 12.30pm on Friday March 7 from the man's wife reporting him missing.

The middle aged man from Essex was last seen walking in the area near to Bradwell Power Station.

Dick Townshend, Bradwell Coastguard, explained that with the tide coming in it was feared the man may have slipped down the sea wall and could be lying injured or he could have fallen into the water.

Bradwell Coastguard rescue officers were sent to search the area along with the West Mersea Lifeboat, a police launch and RAF helicopter.

In the early stages of the search Bradwell coastguards met a man walking along the sea wall who had earlier seen a person answering the missing man's description.

This "vital information" enabled coastguards and the RAF helicopter to narrow their search to the foreshore near to the Othona Community and St Peters Chapel.

After a brief seach they found the man sitting down at the base of the seawall - 40 minutes after the initial call was received.

Mr Townshend said: "He was taken ill while we were with him.

"Searchers were talking to him when he fell unconscious.

"We are very grateful to the young man who had seen him earlier while he was walking."

The man was immediately airlifted to Colchester General hospital where a crash team had been placed on standby.

Mr Townshend added: "I was told it was touch and go at the time but he was eventually given the all clear and went home.

"I've spoken to his wife since and he is fine now."