Family-of-three trapped in freezing mud at Highcliffe rescued by firefighters

A FAMILY had to be rescued by firefighters and coastguard teams after becoming stuck in mud while trying to help their dog which had got into difficulty.

The alarm was raised just after 3pm last Thursday, with reports the trio, including a child, were in trouble in an area by the sea at Chewton Bunny, near Hoburne Naish holiday park at Highcliffe.

Fire crews from Hampshire and Dorset, including the technical rescue team from Poole, were dispatched, along with coastguard teams from Lymington and Southbourne.

Together they freed the victims using specialist equipment including inflatable walkways and mud lances and by digging.

All three were moved to dry land on stretchers before being handed over to paramedics to be assessed and treated. The rescue operation took about 90 minutes.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service station manager Steve Broad, who attended the incident, said: “This family had a lucky escape after their dog had become trapped in mud.

“As the weather turned colder and the light was fading… they became trapped in mud in quite an exposed area near the sea.”

The incident has prompted the fire service to remind people to take extra care when out and about this winter and to ensure they do not venture too close to unstable ground.

Mr Broad continued: “Mud can turn from a bit of fun into something more dangerous very quickly and if you become trapped, the cold can set in very quickly.

“The best way to avoid becoming trapped is to stick to footpaths and solid ground if you’re out walking and keep your dog on a lead near mud and ice.”

People who find themselves stuck in mud are urged to remain calm and lie down, spreading their arms and legs wide apart, and not stand upright or try to move as this can make them sink even quicker.

They should shout for help and get someone to call 999. Anyone who sees a person stuck in mud should always go for help and not attempt a rescue themselves.