A MAJOR rescue operation was launched tonight after an angler who appears to have been fishing on a maintenance ramp, fell into the North Sea.

The Coastguard Agency said it is not clear whether the man slipped, or was washed in by a wave at the north end of the promenade at Hendon Beach, Sunderland.

Fellow anglers heard his cries for help and called the Coastguard immediately on 999.

Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team, a rescue helicopter from Humberside, both Sunderland inshore lifeboats and Tynemouth all-weather lifeboat were sent to the incident.

A nearby fishing vessel also responded to Coastguard requests for assistance.

The angler was pulled from the water by the Sunderland Atlantic inshore lifeboat, with Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and taken to the Sunderland lifeboat station.

He was checked over by paramedics and taken to hospital.

Senior Maritime Operations Officer Richard Johnson said: "We know that angling is hugely popular and people get a lot of enjoyment from it. But we want them to enjoy it safely.

"Make sure you fish from somewhere safe, so that you’re stable.

"Take the conditions into account – sudden waves can come out of nowhere and wash you away. Wear a lifejacket. All these things will help."