Stag party reveller lucky to be alive after dramatic sea rescue

Lifeguards from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) were called to the scene by a member of the public just before 10am on Sunday.

One lifeguard entered the water with a rescue tube in an attempt to reach the man, who was approximately 200 metres from the shore, but this proved difficult due to the rough sea.

Crews from RNLI Cullercoats lifeboat station also joined the rescue effort. Volunteer crew member Peter Clark said: "We could see the gentleman was getting extremely tired by this point and our main concern was to get him out as quickly as possible."

On the shoreline about 20 people, including lifeguards, police, members of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade and members of the public, used a towline from the lifeguard truck to throw to the struggling man.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Chris Mason said: "Once we decided that using the tow rope was the best option to get the casualty to safety as quickly as possible it was a real team effort.

"We worked extremely closely with the volunteer crews, police and members of the public, and this gentleman is extremely lucky to be alive."