Tributes are being paid to a much-loved angler who tragically died, after the boat he was in capsized in Shoebury.
The man who lost his life at sea has been named locally as Norman Bottley. He was a member of the Shoebury Watermans Association for more than 40 years.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 9:30am on Sunday after two people were reported to be in distress in the water.
Norman was taken from the water by the Coastguard and rushed by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital in a life-threatening condition, where he sadly died.
Shoebury Watermans Association said: “Norman has been in the club for more than 40 years, a popular member, and also on the committee. He loved his fishing and shared his skills to many. Some of our members have said this has been like losing a member of their own family.”
The Southend Anglers and Danglers Fishing Club Southend also paid tribute to Norman. A spokesperson said: “He will always be fondly remembered. We are thinking of his family and friends at this very sad time.”
The other person who was on the boat when it capsized was able to make it to the shore where they received treatment from paramedics.