Mud-trapped boy and girl rescued from harbour

A boy and girl have been rescued after becoming trapped in deep mud in a harbour.

The two children were spotted trapped and struggling near Christchurch Harbour Hotel in Dorset on Sunday, shortly after 15:15 BST, by a member of public who alerted the coastguard.

After finding the boy trapped up to his chest, the Mudeford RNLI volunteer crew used a paddleboard and stretcher to stop themselves sinking as they dug him out by hand.

The girl was also pulled free by the crew before the "cold and exhausted" pair were taken to the shore and handed over to paramedics to be checked over.

Mudeford RNLI volunteer lifeboat operations manager, Tim Hewett, said, "This was a very serious incident. Both casualties had been in the mud and water for some time and were cold and exhausted.

"The successful outcome was a true team effort. I would like to thank everyone who attended from the emergency services and to the team at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel who did everything possible to assist in the rescue."

Coastguard teams, firefighters and paramedics were sent to the scene along with the RNLI crew.

Mudeford RNLI water safety officer, Jane Parkinson, said: "With the current warm weather we are seeing more local residents and visitors swimming in the sea and children are exploring the harbour and beach.

"It is important to be aware that during low tide the mud can be very unsafe to walk on and getting stuck in the mud can happen very quickly.

"Always seek local advice about safe areas to walk, check the tide and weather forecast and plan your activity accordingly."

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