FIRECREWS from Newton Abbot were mobilised  yesterday (Friday Jan 26) to assist in the rescue of a casualty stuck in river mud off Exmouth

The stations’ Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) and one fire appliance responded to the incident, along with crews from Exmouth, Middlemoor and brigade’s water rescue team - also based in Exmouth

Firecrews come to the rescue of a person trapped in mud in the River Exe estuary
Firecrews come to the rescue of a person trapped in mud in the River Exe estuary ©Newton Abbot Fire Station (Newton Abbot Fire Station)

A spokesperson for Newton Abbot fire station said: ‘On  arrival, one male was confirmed to be trapped up to his knees in mud, approximately 400 meters from the bank within the estuary in Exmouth. 

‘The water rescue team, alongside members from Middlemoor fire station, committed six firefighters wearing dry suits in order to rescue the stricken individual. Two team members went ahead with a sledge as well as a mud lance in order to release the male from the mud. The mud lance utilises compressed air in order to break the vacuum caused by the mud around the casualties' legs, therefore releasing him from the mud.’

Firecrews come to the rescue of a person trapped in mud in the River Exe estuary
Firecrews come to the rescue of a person trapped in mud in the River Exe estuary ©Newton Abbot Fire Station (Newton Abbot Fire Station)

‘The remaining four crew members used mud mats in order to provide a safe path back towards the bank for the casualty and fire crews within the estuary.’

Once rescued, the crews from Newton Abbot utilised the EPU to decontaminated everyone involved in the incident, as well as decontaminate the equipment used 

The spokesperson added; ‘The individual who was rescued was thankfully uninjured and in good spirits, if not a bit embarrassed by the whole incident.’