COASTGUARDS and lifeboat crew were involved in a mud rescue after a speedboat ran aground near Penarth Head on Wednesday night, September 3.

Penarth Coastguard and Penarth Lifeboat crew were called out around 5.20pm after the speedboat, which was carrying five adults and a two-year-old child on board, suffered electrical problems and was trapped in the mud on the approach channel to Cardiff Barrage.

Due to location of the vessel, state of the tide and the surrounding mud it was determined that the lifeboat could not get the casualties off the vessel and that the coastguard would have to execute a mud rescue operation.

Mud Rescue Technicians from Penarth and Barry Coastguard helped bring the six people off the boat, onto mud sledges and back to dry land.

A Penarth Coastguard spokesman said: “After a short setup two mud rescue technicians made three trips out and back to the vessel to evacuate all individuals off the vessel and back to the shore.

“An anchor was set by the team in order for the vessel to refloat safely later that night.”

He added: “Thanks to Penarth Inshore Lifeboat crew who stood off as safety cover as the operation was conducted. All casualties were returned to the shore safe, well and not requiring medical attention. After a clean up on-scene and back at the stations both coastguard units returned to service at 9.30pm.”

H.M. Coastguard Station Officer Paul Gallone added: “The vessel in question had experienced engine failure and became embedded in mud approximately 180 meters from the shoreline.  The skipper of the vessel did the right thing by waiting for us to effect the rescue as attempting to cross the mud without specialist training and equipment is extremely hazardous.  What may look like a solid surface is often a thin crust hiding a layer of soft mud which will trap a person within seconds.  We urge anyone finding themselves in similar circumstances to contact the Coastguard immediately for help."

If you would like to know more about the work of H.M. Coastguard in this area please look at their website  www.penarthcoastguard.co.uk which gives information on the Coastguard Service, details of incidents attended by the local crew as well as providing safety advice and useful links to other maritime related organisations.