THE hero of a dramatic Navy rescue mission in shark-infested waters off East Africa has died aged 74.

Petty officer William Hudson, of Leigham, was awarded the George Medal after risking his life to save his commander when their life raft capsized in the Mozambique Channel in 1972.

His family and the man he rescued have paid heartfelt tributes to their 'hero' and a 'loving family man'.

Retired PO Hudson died of pancreatic cancer in St Luke's Hospice on March 5.

His widow Doreen Hudson, aged 73, said: "He was a hero to all of us – very brave and a loving family man. We were so proud of him. He will be missed by all of us."

Retired PO Hudson spent 24 years in the Navy, having joined in 1950. He retired in 1974.

He and other members of Devonport-based frigate HMS Lynx rescued 22 Taiwanese fishermen from a reef-grounded trawler on October 19, 1972.

Retired lieutenant commander Gordon Hotchkiss praised the man who saved him after he became entangled in ropes when their liferaft overturned in 50ft waves.

The 81-year-old, of Gosport, said: "Bill stuck with me which took a hell of a lot of courage because it was a very tricky situation. It was due to his actions that we both got out. He saved my life."

Mr Hudson's daughter Karen Gadd, aged 52, said: "He taught us so much, the whole family, and we all loved and respected him.

"He didn't ever ask anything of us and he found something in each of us to be proud of. But we were more proud of him."

Gillian Sargent, 55, Mr Hudson's other daughter, said: "He was a smart, dignified and private man who was always thinking of everyone else."

Granddaughter Melanie Sargent, 31, added that he was always 'caring and loving'.

She said: "During his illness he didn't moan once. The only thing he was worried about was nan and everybody else."

Mr Hudson had been married to Doreen for 56 years. The couple have three children, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

His funeral took place at Weston Mill Cemetery on March 17.