A COASTGUARD has thanked members of the public who looked after two men who nearly drowned on a North-East beach.
Paul Waugh, an auxiliary coastguard, was called out on Sunday at 2.15pm to rescue two Eastern European men who were in difficulty off Marske beach, near Redcar.
"When I first arrived at the beach the men had managed to get ashore with the help of friends, and at least five or six women had fetched blankets and pillows for the two men, one of whom was unconscious," he said.
"I would like to thank them for their help in keeping the men warm."
The men were airlifted by an RAF Sea King helicopter to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, suffering from hypothermia.
One man left hospital later on Sunday and it is believed the other left on Monday
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article