Girls stuck waist-deep in mud rescued by coastguard
Solent News
Two girls who got stuck waist-deep after venturing into a harbour to save their dog had to be rescued by the coastguard - while the pet itself managed to wriggle itself free.
The Solent Coastguard jumped into action when the girls got stuck in Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth, on Saturday.
Coastguard spokeswoman Katharine Piggin said the two girls were playing with their dog when they thought it had become stuck and went to rescue it.
She told the Telegraph: ''The heavy recent rain and incoming tides can create areas of quicksand which quickly suck you in.
''If your dog becomes stuck in mud please don't try to free it yourself as you can become stuck yourself. If you do become stuck in mud you should try and spread your weight as much as possible and if you have a mobile phone dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
''Avoid moving and stay as calm as you can. You should also discourage others from attempting to rescue you because without the proper equipment they could become stuck too.''
According to the Daily Mail, nearby dog walkers raised the alarm when they saw the 11-year-old had got into trouble.
Crowds of onlookers gathered to watch as the girls were hauled out of the mud and taken back to the shore on a sledge attached to a winch.
They were then put in emergency survival blankets and taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth where they were treated for shock.
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