A MAN is lucky to be alive today after sea cadets put their training to use in Ipswich wet dock.As Felixstowe cadets prepared to go out on operations they were rushed into action as a man fell from the quayside into the water.

A MAN is lucky to be alive today after sea cadets put their training to use in Ipswich wet dock.

As Felixstowe cadets prepared to go out on operations they were rushed into action as a man fell from the quayside into the water.

The man became trapped between the tyre fenders and the quayside and seemed helpless to free himself from the water.

Adrian Farthing, petty officer, said: "A cadet made me aware of the situation and we weren't quite ready to go at the time but we accelerated our procedures.

"We managed to get a rope round him and pull him into open water to get him on board.

"We took him back to our landing place and got the boat to shore and he ran off."

Mr Farthing was the only adult on board and praised the efforts of the seven cadets involved in the rescue.

He said: "It was a nasty situation to be in and without assistance the man would have been in trouble.

"The cadets did a fine job. I haven't experienced anything quite like that and it was a new experience for all of the cadets.

"It gave them a chance to put their skills into practise. They did a good job and "I hope the gentleman involved thought so.

"I couldn't have done it on my own."

The man who fell into the water was in his late teens to early twenties and didn't stay around long enough to thank the cadets.

He had been with two other men who were "messing around" on the quayside prior to the incident at about 7pm on Thursday . One of the men did show his gratitude for the rescue.

Mr Farthing added: "The youngsters were quite excited about it and quietly proud.

"The weather and temperature at this time of year wouldn't be a factor but the guy couldn't have held on for long and was lucky it was our training night."

None of the emergency services were called to the scene.

n. Were you the one the cadets helped? If you want to thank them contact us at The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or phone on 01473 324788.