The search began for the 30-year-old Woodbridge man that had started off on his trip at around 3.30am and had been expected to return to work by around 11.00am. He had been planning to take his canoe along the River Ore, out to sea and then up to Aldburgh.

On receiving the call, Thames Coastguard requested the two Aldeburgh Lifeboats to begin a search along with the Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shingle Street and Aldeburgh. A helicopter from RAF Watisham was requested to scramble and to search along the coast and the river.

Subsequently an additional lifeboat from Harwich was also requested to join the search and the search was extended off shore. The Aldeburgh and Harwich Lifeboats were then requested to search off the coast.

Simon Milnes, Thames Coastguard Watch Manager said, "At 2.40pm, the helicopter spotted a target in the water and upon further investigation it was found to be the missing hotel worker. He was recovered and taken to Ipswich Hospital. Suffolk Police are now dealing with the incident.

"Conditions for searching were good today with a north westerly force 4-5 wind, slight to moderate sea and good visibility."