An emergency operation was launched after a man suffered a suspected stroke on board a boat at Gillingham Marina on Saturday night.

Firefighters using their height vehicle and paramedics worked together to lift the 57 year-old about 15ft to the surface in freezing conditions.

The man, who remained conscious was stabilised, before being taken to Medway Maritime Hospital.

It is believed he had been visiting his brother and sister on their motor boat when he fell ill at about 6.30pm.

Crew manager Nick Scott said : "It was quite tricky to get to the man because the tide had gone out and it was very slippery."