Children Stuck in Mud at Langstone Harbour

Saturday, February 21, 2009
Posted 18:45 GMT

At around 1.00 pm this afternoon Solent Coastguard were informed by a member of the public about an incident unfolding in Langstone Harbour, near Portsmouth.

Several youngsters including female siblings of ages 6, 12 and 10 with a 19 year old youth were mud larking around in a rowing boat and had been caught in the glutinous mud about 200 metres from the road way and needed urgent assistance. They appeared to be trying to get themselves out of difficulties, but as they struggled they were becoming more bogged down in the sticky mud.

Solent Coastguard then asked the first informant to tell the occupants of the boat to get back into their craft and stay where they were and save their energy to keep warm as they had been in the area for 4 hours and concern was being felt for their well being.

The RNLI Portsmouth inshore lifeboat was requested to launch and the Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Team who are specifically trained in mud rescue, were also sent to the area, assisted by the Hayling Island Coastguard Rescue Team.

By ten minutes to 3.00 all four had been rescued by the mud team and all were checked for any signs of hypothermia.

Mike Greiner, Duty Watch Manager said

The parents of the children were nowhere to be seen this afternoon, and given the temperatures at this time of year, getting stuck in Langstone Harbours notorious mud was not the best form of activity today. Fortunately it has remained dry today, but we must remind all parents to be aware of where your children are during the half term week and take account of any dangers that exist on or near the waterline.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401