Heroic Rescue as Man Trapped in Kayak Mudpit Near Southampton
Stranded Kayaker Sparks Major Rescue Operation
Yesterday afternoon, a man found himself stuck in his kayak, trapped in thick mud near Northern Bridge, Southampton. At around 1.30 pm on Saturday 25 March, the UK Coastguard was called in to back up Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service after the kayaker was stranded far from the riverbank.
Specialist Teams Join Forces to Save the Day
The Lymington and Hill Head Coastguard Mud Rescue Teams, with support from the Southampton Coastguard Rescue Team, teamed up with the Fire Service and Hampshire Police. Using specialist mud rescue gear, they battled the muck to bring the stranded kayaker back safely.
Man Calmly Waited, Read Book While Waiting for Rescue
“This was a technically difficult rescue,” said Colin Tabor, Station Officer of the Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team. “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.”
Sources say the man had grounded his kayak in the mud and was seen calmly reading a book as he waited for help. Once rescued, he was handed over to South Central Ambulance Service for care.
