Women rescued from mud in Portsmouth after 'major' search and rescue operation

Coastguard, ambulance, police and fire crews were called to the M275 and Mountbatten Centre in Hilsea tonight, to reports of a person stuck in the low tide.

In what was described by those on the scene as a ‘major’ operation, crews spent two hours bringing what transpired to be two people back onto dry land.

From the Hilsea side, two coastguard crew members trudged through thick mud with a dinghy, on which the pair were winched back in after two hours of hard work.

One onlooker said: ‘I’m really glad the emergency services have been able to get them out.

‘I hope they’re okay.’

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The two women, who appeared responsive to emergency services, walked unaided from the dinghy to the cycle path – and were thankful to be rescued.

An inflatable was also towed back by the coastguard.

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