Kayaker Rescued from Southampton Mud After Hours Stranded
Yesterday at around 1.30pm, a man stuck in his kayak deep in the mud near Northern Bridge, Southampton, needed urgent help. The UK Coastguard swiftly teamed up with Hampshire Fire and Rescue and police to launch a tricky rescue mission.
Mud Rescue Teams Called to the Scene
Lymington and Hill Head Coastguard Mud Rescue Teams, backed by Southampton Coastguard Rescue Team, raced to the man’s aid. Stranded far from the river’s edge, the kayaker faced a long wait of around eight hours for the tide to return.
Using specialist mud rescue gear, the teams battled the sticky terrain to reach the stranded paddler. They successfully carried him back to dry land where South Central Ambulance Service took over his care.
‘Technically Difficult’ Rescue
Colin Tabor, Station Officer at Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team, said: “This was a technically difficult rescue. Although the gentleman appeared safe and well and was happy to wait until the tide came back in, he would have had to wait about 8 hours.
Thankfully we were able to help him back to shore using our specialist rescue equipment.”
Kayaker’s Muddy Misadventure
The man, believed to have grounded his kayak on the mud, was reportedly sitting and reading a book while waiting for rescue. Thanks to the quick thinking and skill of the rescue teams, what could have been a long ordeal ended safely and swiftly.
