Two men were rescued just seconds from drowning after being caught by a fast rising tide.
Tragedy was narrowly avoided when specialist marine officers helped rescue them in the nick of time.
They were patrolling nearby when they received a distress call.
READ MORE: Black cab driver questions Waymo driverless taxis after spotting one on streets of capital
It was reported that two men, one in his 20s and another in his 30s, had walked onto the sand banks in Southend, Essex, before being trapped by the rapidly rising tide.
The marine officers in a vessel call Invicta were guided to the precise location by the coastguard.
When the officers reached the men the water in the Thames Estuary had risen to around neck-height and it is estimated they were just 10 minutes away from being completely submerged.
A video showed the men desperately wading through the waves.
And then being guided to safety aboard the boat, as reported by, Need To Know.
Ch Insp Alan Rogers of Kent Police’s Tactical Operations department was travelling with the Search and Marine Unit when the rescue operation took place.
He said: “Kent’s geographical position as a coastal county that is also home to several major rivers makes it even more important for the force to have a Search and Marine Unit.
“Our officers are highly skilled professionals who carry out vital work every day, protecting the public, supporting those in distress and ensuring criminals cannot exploit our waterways.
“It was a privilege to see the team in action during the rescue and I am very pleased that our officers were able to assist these men when they needed help the most.”
READ MORE: British seaside tourist hotspot loved by celebs FLOODED after intense weather
