Three people had to be dramatically winched to safety by helicopter after becoming trapped in thick mud off the coast of Hayling Island, Hampshire, on Tuesday evening.
Emergency services were called to Marine Walk at around 8:30pm on April 15, following reports of individuals stuck in mud along the shoreline.
A major rescue operation was launched involving coastguard teams, firefighters, and ambulance crews, with specialist support from the Selsey and Portsmouth Mud Rescue Teams.
Winched to Safety by Helicopter
To reach the stranded individuals, emergency crews deployed inflatable mud paths across the treacherous terrain. Once accessed, each person was safely winched from the mud by a Coastguard helicopter and flown to a temporary landing site near Hayling Coastguard Station.
The trio were then assessed by South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) paramedics and discharged at the scene, with no serious injuries reported.
Emergency Services Praise Teamwork
A spokesperson from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service highlighted the success of the operation, stating:
“This rescue demonstrates the critical importance of inter-agency teamwork. Every emergency asset played a vital role in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.”
Emergency crews also extended their thanks to local residents on Marine Walk who assisted by allowing emergency vehicles to park and manoeuvre on their driveways.
Reminder of Coastal Dangers
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks of coastal mudflats, which can quickly become dangerous without warning. Officials advise the public to be cautious when walking along shorelines and to check tide and weather conditions before venturing out.
For emergencies on the coast, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
