A woman was rescued after becoming trapped knee-deep in mud and unable to free herself at Crosby Beach. She had been stuck for about 30 minutes and was medically assessed upon being brought to safety.
Rescue operation at Crosby Beach
A team from HM Coastguard Crosby and Wirral, along with Crosby Beach Lifeguards, carried out the rescue. A spokesperson for Wirral Coastguard said: "The team had just stood down from a previous incident when we were tasked to assist HM Coastguard Crosby following a 999 call to the Coastguard Operations Centre reporting two people stuck in mud at Crosby Beach, out from the Leisure Centre."
"Both Coastguard Rescue Teams were tasked, along with Crosby Beach Lifeguards." Crosby Coastguard deployed two trained Mud Rescue Technicians, who made their way out to the casualty and safely recovered her using specialist Coastguard mud rescue equipment.
Medical assessment and coastguard advice
"The casualty was brought back to firm ground, where a medical assessment was carried out as she had been stuck for approximately 30 minutes. Being trapped in mud for a prolonged period can place pressure on the body, known as hydrostatic squeeze, so casualties are carefully assessed following their release. Thankfully, the incident was brought to a safe conclusion."
A spokesperson for Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Patches of mud on our beaches can be extremely dangerous, particularly with an incoming tide. What may look like firm ground can quickly become soft and difficult to escape from."
"If you become stuck in mud, stay calm, avoid struggling and call for help. If you see someone else stuck, do not attempt to rescue them yourself, as you could also become stuck. In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
