A man has been plucked to safety by a lifeboat crew after plunging into rough seas in Lowestoft.

Eastern Daily Press: Emergency services at Lowestoft Lifeboat station after a man was rescued from the sea. Picture: RNLI Lowestoft/Mick HowesEmergency services at Lowestoft Lifeboat station after a man was rescued from the sea. Picture: RNLI Lowestoft/Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

The man, believed to be in his 50s, has been taken to the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston for further care after being treated at the scene for 'water inhalation and early hypothermic symptoms.'

Suffolk police were called by an observant member of the public at 11.13am this morning (Friday) reporting that there was a man in the sea at the harbour entrance.

The RNLI Lowestoft lifeboat, Patsy Knight, launched to rescue the man – reaching him within five minutes of going into the water.

HM Coastguard rescue officers from Lowestoft and Southwold were also alerted along with the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, as they waited at the lifeboat station to assist the lifeboat in bringing the casualty ashore.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard Lowestoft and Southwold said six rescue officers were called out following reports that man had gone into the sea 'off the South Pier.'

A police spokesman said: 'We were called by a member of the public reporting that there was a man in the sea at Lowestoft. The Coastguard and ambulance service were notified.'

The lifeboat crew, under coxswain John Fox, rescued the man from the rough seas and took him back to the lifeboat station.

Mr Fox said: 'We wrapped the man in blankets and administered casualty care, while speeding back to the lifeboat station. The man was taken into a warm room in the building where two crew members looked after him assisted by police, coastguard officers and ambulance crews.'

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: 'We received a call today at 11.19am to reports of a man in the water in Lowestoft. An ambulance officer was dispatched, which was shortly followed by two ambulance crews and he was treated for water inhalation and early hypothermic symptoms (low body temperature).

'He was then taken to the James Paget Hospital for further treatment but is not believed to be in a life-threatening condition.'