24.07.2007

Teenage girls rescued from mud

Two teenage girls were rescued this afternoon after being stuck in sand and mud in Greenwich.

At four o' clock on Monday afternoon (23rd July) London Coastguard were alerted to the two girls, who were stuck in sand and mud with water fast closing in around them.  London Coastguard tasked the Tower RNLI Lifeboat to the scene, and the Port of London Authority, London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police (Marine Division) were also on scene.

The two girls, aged 15 and 16, were finally pulled from the mud using Police mud mats and were brought to the shore by the lifeboat.  One of the girls is being treated for shock and the other sustained an ankle injury.

Watch Manager Frank Aubin-Hart said:

"It can be very frightening to be stuck in mud and many people wriggle around in an effort to free themselves.  Unfortunately, this often results in them becoming even more stuck as the suction becomes stronger.  If you become stuck in mud, the best advice is to stay as still and calm as you can, to try and disperse your weight as much as possible and to call for help."

For further information please contact
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on (023) 8032 9401

Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk (opens in a new window).