By Sophie Lewis
Man Rescued After Getting Stuck in Mud at Portsmouth Harbour
A dramatic rescue unfolded this morning when a man found himself trapped in mud near Frater Lake, Portsmouth Harbour. His small boat’s engine failed, leaving him stranded in the sticky mud.
Gosport Lifeboat and Rescue Teams Rush to Aid
The Gosport Lifeboat Service was quickly alerted. The Gosport Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) was dispatched alongside the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS), a volunteer lifeboat charity. Early at 6:30 am, the UK Coastguard coordinated the response.
However, GAFIRS volunteers found their boat couldn’t approach due to low tide conditions. That’s when multiple emergency teams stepped in for a joint effort.
Emergency Services Work Together to Save Day
James Baggott, coxswain of Gosport Lifeboat, said: “This was a great example of a large number of emergency services working together to effect a rescue. The casualty had been aground for several hours and was very grateful to be taken on board the lifeboat and back to shore. He was safe and well but grateful for a drink of water. He had all the correct safety equipment, including a lifejacket, and was able to raise the alarm thanks to his handheld VHF radio. He did the right thing calling for help and not attempting to battle the sticky mud himself.”
Coastguard, Fire & Rescue, and Ambulance Teams Join Forces
The man’s remote location made shore rescue impossible. The UK Coastguard called in Hampshire Fire & Rescue, South Central Ambulance’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Hill Head, Portsmouth, and Lymington.
Using the Gosport Lifeboat and ILB, mud rescue specialists and fire crews were transported to the scene, carrying out a carefully coordinated extraction.
The man was safely moved between boats and returned to Gosport Marina. Emergency crews provided further care on arrival, ensuring he was fit and well.
