Gravesend lifeboat launched to help man in mud in Erith

The lifeboat was launched in Gravesend following a request made by HM Coastguard to assist in what was described as a “multi-agency“ rescue operation.

A man had become stuck in the mud in Erith Rands yesterday (July 22) at around 10am.

London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and a drone team were also called.

A member of crew aboard the vessel helped to organise emergency services who had arrived at the scene with specialist equipment.

In the multi-agency operation, emergency services who arrived at the scene with specialist equipment. (Image: RNLI/Liam Sidders)

The man was successfully rescued from the foreshore using a mudpath and was treated by paramedics at the scene.

RNLI Duty Commander Dave Greenfield said: “Conscious of the incoming rising tide we located the stranded person as soon as we arrived on scene, however we were still unable to reach the casualty at the time, and therefore we put a crew member ashore to organise alongside London Coastguard arranging support from our colleagues London Fire Brigade, who were then able to reach the casualty with specialist equipment.

“By the time the casualty had been rescued with the help of mud mats, the tide had changed enough for us to moor up at Erith Yacht Club and enabling additional crew to offer further assistance onshore.”

The man was successfully rescued from the foreshore using a mudpath and was treated by paramedics at the scene. (Image: Fraser Gray)

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters were called to assist the Coastguard with a person stuck in mud near Manor Road in Erith.

“One man was rescued from the foreshore using a mudpath and was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

“The Brigade was called at 1009 and the incident was over for firefighters at 1202.

“Crews from Erith and Plumstead fire stations attended the scene.”