AN elderly man was pulled from the River Nene by firefighters yesterday afternoon (Tue) after a member of the public spotted him in the water and dialled 999. Fire control received the call at about 1.20pm and operators were told that there was a man in

AN elderly man was pulled from the River Nene by firefighters yesterday afternoon (Tue) after a member of the public spotted him in the water and dialled 999.

Fire control received the call at about 1.20pm and operators were told that there was a man in the river, near Doddington Road in Benwick, who looked as if he was in difficulty.

One crew from Chatteris, one crew from Dogsthorpe, a rescue vehicle from Dogsthorpe, one crew from Huntingdon and an in-water rescue team from Huntingdon were immediately sent to the incident.

When the first crew arrived, they discovered the man neck-deep in the water between a boat and the far side of the bank.

The man spotted the crews and was able to push his boat a short distance to the centre of the river and firefighters were then able throw a hook around it and drag it towards them. They then used the vessel to go out onto the river to rescue the man.

Meanwhile, the in-water rescue team arrived and two firefighters in drysuits entered the water to help carry the man up the river bank to safety. He was later taken to hospital by paramedics.

Martin Boome, station manager for the Fenland area, said: "When we first got the man onto the river bank he was very unresponsive and cold.

"However, thanks to the efforts of crews in making a swift rescue it looks as if he will pull through.

"This man was very lucky that he was spotted by a member of the public who was able to contact us quickly and let us know what was happening.

"We would like to use this opportunity to remind people about the dangers of falling into rivers and drains.

"The water is very cold at this time of year, and even if you are a strong swimmer, it is very easy to get into difficulty.