A coastguard was airlifted to hospital after being hit by a wave – when he went to warn people of the dangers of high seas.
The Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team was called after six people were seen on the North Gare pier, Seaton Carew.
Click here to see video of Coastguard's rescueNorth-easterly winds had whipped up waves, and as the two coastguard officers were on the pier they were hit by a wall of water knocking them over. Town coastguard Wilf Sudron was rushed to the University Hospital of North Tees for treatment to a broken leg.
A coastguard spokesman said: "Just after 4pm we were alerted to reports there were six people fishing at the end of the North Gare while large seas were breaking over the top. The Hartlepool Coastguard was immediately requested to attend and issue safety advise to parents.
Arriving on the scene Coastguard officers donned lifejackets.
"A large wall of water came over the top of the pier and engulfed the two officers, knocking them against the wall and breaking the leg of one officer."
The second Coastguard Steve Stainsby was treated by an ambulance crew at the scene and did not need hospital treatment. The family made it to safety just in time and were unharmed.
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