THIS WEEK IN 1999: Windsurfer saves two as boat sinks

A Hayling Island windsurfer broke off his attempt at the round Britain speed record to save two fishermenstruggling to stay above water after their boat sank.  Keith Russell was on his way to start the latest leg of his record attempt in the North Sea off Tyne and Wear when he and two members of his support crew spotted a distress flare. Deciding to postpone the day's start, the three men sped towards the flare and after 30 minutes of frantic searching found two fishermen knee-deep in water desperately trying to bale out their 20ft fishing boat Sharmalene as it foundered.  The fishermen were taken on board the support craft and minutes later watched their boat sink below the waves.  Mr Russell, 23, of St Thomas Avenue, said: '˜We just did what anyone else would have done in the same situation. We were glad to help.'