This is the heroic moment a police marine unit saved a stricken yachtsman in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

Footage shows the dramatic rescue of sailor Roy Harris and his partner Caroline Wilson from the choppy sea during an unexpected storm on Sunday, August 25.

The couple was returning to the River Crouch from Kent when their yacht, the Samphire, encountered severe weather conditions. Mr Harris radioed a PAN-PAN distress message to alert nearby boats and emergency services of an urgent problem.

Sergeant Alex Southgate, Police Constable John Perry, and Special Constable Scott McCabe were conducting patrols on their vessel, Sentinel, as part of Operation Wave-Breaker when they intercepted the distress call.

Coordinating with the Dover Coastguard Operations Centre, they navigated the turbulent waters to locate the yacht near the Gunfleet Sands Offshore Wind Farm, around four miles off Clacton.

Harris noted the storm was not forecasted and would have altered their plans if it had been: 'When Alex leapt onto the boat, touched my arm, and said 'You're safe now,' it was such a comfort. I had been scared for my life.'

The Essex Police Marine Unit's Operation Wave-Breaker, active from April to September, focuses on preventing anti-social behaviour and promoting safety on the water.