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Walker rescued after getting stuck knee-deep in mud

BBC Several coastguard workers all stood on a muddy beach with the sea out. They are using a winching device and all in high-viz jacketsBBC
Coastguard teams rescued the walker on Blue Anchor beach

A walker was rescued after becoming trapped knee-deep in mud on a beach.

Coastguards and firefighters attended Blue Anchor beach near Watchet, Somerset, on Saturday to help free the man.

The walker, who was trapped for about 30 minutes, couldn't reach his mobile phone. He was saved after a passers-by called emergency crews.

"Due to the amount of time the walker had been trapped, with pressure of the mud exerted onto the legs, our technicians ensured the casualty laid down, to enable the blood flow from the heart to remain constant," a coastguard spokesperson said.

The Watchet Coastguard team has now warned people if they become stuck in mud or quicksand to spread their weight out evenly by lying down, and to call 999.

HM Coastguard Several workers in high-vis jackets on a muddy beach with winching materials helping rescue a walkerHM Coastguard
The Coastguard added to always call 999 if you become stuck

Rescuers used spades to dig the man out of the sand.

"Thankfully after a medical assessment at scene, the casualty was able to be discharged at the scene and allowed home without any injury," the spokesperson added.

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