Drama in Kent as Woman Trapped in Mud Rescued by Helicopter Winch
A costly multi-agency rescue was launched after a 74-year-old woman got stuck thigh-deep in mud, trapped by the outgoing tide near Gillingham, Kent on Friday evening.
Massive Emergency Response Sent to Save Woman
Twenty coastguards, Kent Fire and Rescue mud specialists, and a Coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd scrambled to the scene by the Strand Open-air Leisure Pool. The woman was stuck around 400 feet out to sea, while her partner remained safely on firmer ground.
The alarm was raised just after 8pm, prompting paramedics and police to rush to the scene alongside rescue teams.
Helicopter Winch Saves Woman as Tide Turns
Initial plans to land the helicopter and transfer mud rescue experts on foot failed due to fading light and the distance. But the helicopter crew quickly adapted, sending a winchman down to pull the woman free with the onboard winch.
Once freed, she was airlifted to Riverside Country Park in Gillingham for a medical check before reuniting with her husband.
Swift Action Prevented Prolonged Night Rescue
The swift and clever use of helicopter winching saved valuable time. Otherwise, rescuers faced a long, complicated night rescue using ropes due to the tricky location.
The whole operation involved 20 coastguard rescue officers, Kent Fire and Rescue, Kent Police, and a paramedic from South East Coast Ambulance.
The woman was safely checked and released on dry land just after 9pm.
