It took a group of the right people, in the right place at the right time to save a 66-year-old man from drowning when he ran into breathing trouble yesterday.

The dramatic scene unfolded around 10.30 a.m. near the site of the Vixen shipwreck, close to the 9 Beaches resort in Somerset.

It is a popular destination for tour boats, jet ski tours and snorkelling excursions and the shipwreck is famous for the massive schools of large fish that swarm the area to be fed by tourists.

Harry Patchett, of Somerset Bridge Watersports had just arrived at the Vixen – leading his first jet ski tour of the day – when he was alerted to a screaming lady.

"When we arrived I heard a woman's voice screaming for help," said Mr. Patchett. "Looking around I noticed Carly Lima, one of the snorkel guides from Fantasea watersports, holding on to a gentleman. She was trying to keep his head out of the water and pull him to shore at the same time. As I approached them on my jet ski I noticed the man's lips were blue and he was unresponsive. Carly and I dragged the man onto the ski and rushed him to the beach.

"I don't know exactly what happened to the man before I got there, the deed was already done – I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and with a jet ski. It was just an automatic reaction to go and help, I could see that Carly was struggling to help this man so I followed the rule of the sea and gave assistance where it was needed."

And Mr. Patchett said luck was on the man's side today as one of the men taking part in the jet ski tour was a trained paramedic.

"When we reached the beach all the Fantasea guys were out their with oxygen and doing all that they could to make sure the man was safe," added Mr. Patchett. "By the time the fire trucks and ambulances had arrived, colour had come back into the man's face and he was doing much better. Everybody was on point and working together as a team. Everyone at Fantasea – especially Carly – did an amazing job out there. All I can say is I am glad I could help and I hope that the gentleman makes a full recovery."

Kenny Dallas, of Fantasea, who runs a dive-shop and tours out of 9 Beaches, echoed Mr. Patchett's comments.

"We have a great team down there at 9 Beaches and they proved it today," said Mr. Dallas. "Everybody needs to be commended for their efforts today – especially Harry Patchett.

"If he wasn't there with his jet ski things could have turned out very differently."

According to some of those involved in the rescue, the victim had pre-existing health conditions that may have led to his situation. He was taken from the scene to the hospital but was subsequently released.