At 17:22hrs today, Saturday 17 October 2020, H.M. Coastguard assigned our RNLI Inshore Lifeboat D-755 Peggy-D to a report of two people stuck in the mud on the River Exe, described as being by the Duckpond towards Mudbank Lane by a member of the public who reported concern to the Exmouth National Coastwatch Institution.
The D class lifeboat was launched on service at 17:33hrs today by volunteer shore crew Robert Thompson, Chris Sims, Harry Griffin and Dougie Wright.
Commanded by Helm, Guy Munnings and lifesaving crew Henry Mock and Ed Steele, the vessel immediately sped to the location arriving at 17:37hrs where they were able to quickly identify the casualties. They were able to safely extricate both individuals and convey them to the safety of Exmouth Marina at 17:51hrs today.
Neither person was injured or required medical attention.
Having ensured the safety of the casualties, the inshore lifeboat returned to Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station and was back on service a short time later.
Our advice for those walking close to rivers is :
Plan your trip: Always seek local advice about safe areas to walk, check the tide and weather forecast and plan your route accordingly.
Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Always take a means of calling for help.
Use your eyes: if it looks soft or looks like mud, it probably is, so stay off it.
Be aware that mud can appear / disappear quickly so areas of the beach or river bed that may have been mud-free half an hour previously may have mud patches on your return walk.
If you become stuck in mud:
Try to spread your weight as evenly as possible across the surface.
Avoid moving and stay as calm as you can.
Discourage other people from attempting to rescue you, since without the proper equipment they could become stuck too.
If you have a mobile phone, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you don’t, shout for help.
If you see someone in difficulty in or near water while visiting our coastline or rivers, never hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard as you really could be saving somebody’s life.
