Hero schoolboys save drowning vicar

2:42pm Tuesday 11th September 2007

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A schoolboy jumped into a harbour late at night to save a 15st vicar from drowning.

Josh Sheppard, 14, was fishing with his brother Luke, 20, when he dived into the water to save the semi-conscious man.

The brothers, of Vale Road, Seaford, hurled the vicar onto a moored fishing boat and put him in a recovery position.

Reverend Hugh Trenchard, 57, last night spoke about his terrifying ordeal and thanked the brothers who saved his life.

Josh and Luke were fishing at 10.15pm in Lyme Regis, Dorset, on Friday when they heard a splash and a woman scream for help.

The brothers were waiting for their parents, Linda and Clive, to return from Exeter Hospital for the end of their week long holiday.

Mrs Sheppard suffers from leukaemia and had been admitted to hospital three days previously after becoming ill.

Josh, who attends Cardinal Newman School in Hove, jumped into the harbour fully clothed.

He said: "A crowd of people had gathered but nobody was doing anything to save him.

"When I reached him I cupped his chin in my hand to keep his head out of the water.

"Even though he was a dead weight, I got underneath him and lifted him onto a boat.

"The sea bed was really muddy and I lost my shoes trying to lift him but all I was thinking about was saving his life.

"My biggest fear is dark water but I managed to put it out of my mind for a few minutes."

By the time Josh had swam to the boat, Luke had jumped onboard and helped lift Rev Trenchard out of the water.

Luke, who is about to study illustration at the University of Westminster, said: "It all happened so quickly and we didn't have time to hesitate.

"Josh did really well because he reacted while everyone else was watching."

Rev Trenchard, of Caerwent, near Chepstow, lost his footing when he was walking with his wife, Gill, and pet sheepdog, Saucy.

He said: "I was just about to sit down by edge of the water when I slipped.

"I went flying through the air and belly flopped in the water.

"I was winded and totally disoriented.

"The lads just arrived out of nowhere and were marvellous.

"People are quick to talk down young people these days but these two saved me."

Firefighters, paramedics and police could not lift Rev Trenchard and a lifeboat was called to bring him to the shore.

He was taken by ambulance to Dorset County Hospital but released after an examination.

Mrs Sheppard, 53, said: "When I came back from hospital I was feeling unwell but this was a lovely pick me up."

Mr Sheppard, 54, said: "I'm very proud of my sons because they were very brave."