COASTGUARDS, a lifeboat crew, police, fire and ambulance personnel were all sent to Blue Anchor beach on Friday afternoon after a man got stuck in waist-deep mud.

The drama unfolded just before 3.30pm and firefighters, police and a coastguard team from Minehead were among the first on the scene.

The man was stuck some 400 metres off the shore and 300 metres from the incoming tide.

Back-up was requested from the RNLI and a lifeboat from Minehead was put on stand-by off the beach.

Firefighters put on dry suits and a specialist mud rescue team from Watchet Coastguard was called in to help.

The operation was overseen by a senior coastguard officer from Weston-super-Mare and rescuers used a mud sledge to haul the man to safety.

A coastguard spokesman said the incident had been a good example of all emergency services working efficiently.

“We would also like to remind anyone who becomes trapped in mud not to panic, to stay still, ideally spread their weight, and call 999 for assistance from the coastguard.

“Members of the public who witness someone in the mud should not try and rescue them as they could also become trapped.

“Leave it to the coastguards as they have the correct equipment,” the spokesman said.