A VOLUNTEER lifeboat crew braved rough conditions to help rescue a windsurfer.

The teams from West Mersea RNLI were called after reports the water sports enthusiast had been overcome by the choppy conditions.

The windsurfer had been out for more than 40 minutes and was struggling to deal with the high waves and strong winds.

Thankfully, the lifeboat team arrived just as he had managed to reach the shore of Osea Island.

A spokesman for the RNLI said the man was unhurt and taken back to where he was based by the crew.

He said: “The crew took the casualty on board and recovered their equipment and safely took the casualty to Marconi Sailing Club from where they had set out from.

“The casualty was very cold but otherwise unhurt and the lifeboat returned to the station shortly afterwards.”