A WOMAN is recovering today after being rescued by members of a sailing club when she fell into the sea at Felixstowe Ferry and was swept away.

A WOMAN is recovering today after being rescued by members of a sailing club when she fell into the sea at Felixstowe Ferry and was swept away.

Members of Felixstowe Ferry sailing club leapt into action when they spotted the woman fall into the water while trying to board a boat on Friday night.

She was pulled to safety at around 10pm after being seen from the shore losing her footing.

Harbourmaster's assistant, Stephen Read, jumped on his motorboat and was followed by members of the Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club.

Harwich Lifeboat was launched soon afterwards but the woman, who is believed to be Dutch, had already been pulled from the water into a dinghy when the crew arrived.

The woman was uninjured and had been wearing a lifejacket as she rowed from the shore to where her boat was anchored.

Harbourmaster John White praised the quick-thinking actions of his assistant and explained how the accident happened, saying: “A couple were going back to their yacht after spending the evening at the club.

“The engine stopped and she must have grabbed a mooring as they drifted but got pulled over the side.

“Luckily members of the club were watching them and Stephen went out to help.”

Coastguards stressed the importance of wearing a lifejacket on the water following the rescue.

A spokesman for Thames Coastguard said: “The woman fell in and was swept away from her boat by the current.

“Thankfully she was rescued but it could have been a very different story had she not been wearing a life jacket.

“One of the most dangerous places to be in the water is between the shore and your boat.”

n. Were you the woman who was rescued and want to thank those who helped you? Contact The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk