THIS is the moment a helicopter crew pulled two fishermen from the upturned hull of their boat.

As reported yesterday, a Belgian fishing vessel capsized in gale force winds 14 miles off Eastbourne.

Now dramatic footage of the daring rescue mission has been released by HM Coastguard.

It shows the helicopter winching two fishermen to safety after they were left clinging to the overturned boat.

Two other sailors who had gone overboard were picked up by a merchant vessel.

Kaimes Beasley, duty controller for HM Coastguard, said: “This was a very successful outcome to what could have been a tragic one.”