A BRAVE security guard risked his own safety to rescue a terrified teenager stranded in stormy seas.

The drama unfolded when the security team at Hinkley Point C were carrying out a mobile patrol before spotting a yacht in difficulty at Shurton Bars.

A teenage boy onboard the yacht decided to anchor in the bay in an attempt to ride out the heavy seas and strong on-shore wind.

But his anchor had dragged and the yacht had beached near the cliff face and was being pounded by strong waves.

The leader of the security team got in touch with the control room at the nuclear power station who then contacted coastguards.

In the meantime, one of the security guards could see the young sailor getting more and more distressed and shouting for help.

So he risked life and limb by swimming out to the boy, braving the strong winds and huge waves, and helping him off the yacht and back onto the safety of dry land.

Minutes later coastguards arrived and helped the sailor away unharmed, although his yacht was badly damaged and was still waiting to be recovered as the Mercury went to press.

The life-saving security guard, who says he cannot be identified for security reasons, said this week: “I was glad to be able to do what I could in what was potentially a very tricky situation.

“I am glad the young lad on the yacht is fine and I am very pleased to have been able to help.”