Woman Gets Stuck Up To Her Waist In Mud

For the second time in two weeks crews from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to assist a member of the public who had become stuck in the mud at the cliffs off Barton On Sea.

At 1152 hours yesterday [Sunday 20 May 2012] control operators mobilised firefighters from New Milton and Brockenhurst fire stations to assist a woman who had become stuck up to her waist in mud.  Crews worked quickly to release her from her ordeal and the stop message was received at 1213 hours.

Fire crews had previously worked together with colleagues from Solent Coastguard Maritime Rescue in a 90 minute operation to rescue a female dog walker during a similar incident two weeks previously on Sunday 07 05 12.


Group Manager Kevin Evenett said:

"It is vital that local residents and visitors to the Hampshire coastline are aware of the dangers that coastal mud slides can bring. These incidents show how quickly a nice walk can turn into a very serious situation. It is important that people dress in the appropriate clothing and keep to the paths and firm ground when out walking. The fact that dogs are able to run over the mud can give a false indication that the area is safe for people to walk when in fact the mud conceals hidden danger."


He continues:

"Sinking sand and mud have claimed lives and we urge all visitors to our coastline to consider their safety first. The emergency services were alerted in good time to these incidents and it is advisable to take a mobile phone so that you can quickly alert the professionals if you get into difficulty.  Common sense and tide times should always be noted as it is always very dangerous to approach the sea at low tide in this kind of terrain."