A sailor was rescued from mud up to his shoulders at Queenborough, Isle of Sheppey, after running aground and attempting to lay out a kedge anchor.

Just before 10pm on Saturday, the Coastguard was contacted by Kent Fire & Rescue reporting that a 74-year-old man had sunk into deep mud about a quarter of a mile from the shore.

Sheppey and Medway Coastguard Rescue Teams with mud rescue equipment were sent to the scene to assist Kent Fire & Rescue Service. Sheerness RNLI lifeboat and Southend RNLI rescue hovercraft also attended.

The man was recovered to his yacht by the Fire Service Mud Team before being transferred into the care of the ambulance service by the lifeboat, suffering from the cold but otherwise uninjured. His wife was recovered to a waiting ambulance by Southend Hovercraft.

The sailor got into difficulty after trying to set his anchor having run aground earlier in the evening. His wife, still on the grounded yacht raised the alarm and was able to maintain communications with the Coastguard via VHF Channel 16 throughout the rescue.

Mud Safety Advice: If you become stuck in mud try to spread your weight as much as possible. If you have a mobile phone call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Avoid moving and stay as calm as you can. Discourage others from attempting to rescue you, since without the proper equipment they could become stuck too.