Duo save priest from drowning

Josh and Luke Sheppard (aged 14 and 20) were fishing on the Cobb harbour arm at the resort in Dorset on Friday last week when they saw the Rev Hugh Trenchard struggling in the water.

Mr Trenchard, 57, from Gloucestershire, was sinking repeatedly and could not right himself.

He had fallen into the harbour while walking with his dog.

Plucky Josh, of Vale Road, a pupil at Cardinal Newman School in Hove, plunged fully-clothed into murky water and fought his way through silt and currents to where he knew the clergyman was struggling.

Meanwhile, Luke rushed to an unmanned boat on the quay which was the nearest vessel to where the victim was foundering.

The boys' mother, Linda, said: 'The gentleman was probably within his depth but just couldn't right himself and there were bystanders doing nothing. Josh's eldest brother Matthew (who was not present] is a lifeguard so Josh had a fair idea of what to do but it was common sense really, getting the man into the recovery position and manoeuvring him to where Luke was waiting on the boat.

'I'm really proud of my boys since the area was full of clinging mud, as well as the night being pitch black.'

Mrs Sheppard continued: 'The gentleman had struck rocks as he went in and was completely disorientated. Between them my sons hauled what with sodden clothing must have been a dead weight of 15 stone out of the water and onto the craft.

'By this time a boat-builder was assisting them.

'Josh is fit, strong and a rugby player but he's by no means a giant. I guess when he heaved the man out of the water, adrenalin must have taken over for the final effort.

'The lads knew they had to do something with other people just staring at the spectacle of a man possibly dying.'

Mr Trenchard was taken to Dorset County Hospital where staff found he had sustained no significant injury.

Speaking to the Express from his vicarage near Chepstow, he said: 'These boys should be mentioned in despatches.

'I had belly-flopped into the water, was completely winded and more or less helpless after a 15-foot drop.

'Josh suddenly appeared out of nowhere. There is no doubt that he and Luke saved my life, showing courage and intelligence.

'I cannot thank them enough or speak more highly of the sterling qualities they showed that night.'