Just in time: Raw video of dramatic helicopter rescue on Croatia's Sava River.

Excerpts from Sky News Online:

Ivan Plevnik was airlifted to safety as his vessel was sucked into the Sava River.

Firefighters had spent hours trying to get the 56-year-old and his boat to shore without success.

Finally a helicopter was called into action by authorities in Zagreb – but as a rescuer was winched down Mr Plevnik refused to abandon his boat.

It was only when water splashed over the side and the vessel quickly began to be sucked beneath the surface that the rescuer was able to pull the skipper to safety.