Major rescue as paddleboarders get stuck in mud flats on River Tamar

The group were at least 100m out and 100m apart in the Cargreen area on Bank Holiday Monday

Author: Emma HartPublished 3rd Jun 2021

Four paddleboarders have had to be rescued after getting stuck in mud flats on the River Tamar.

The group were stranded at least 100m out and 100m apart in the Cargreen area.

That triggered a multi agency operation, involving HM Coastguard rescue teams and firefighters from Cornwall AND Devon.

Crews got the initial call just before 1.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday and were working to free the group for several hours.

Four paddleboarders have had to be rescued after getting stuck in mud flats on the River Tamar

In a statement on Monday, Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service said teams used specialist water rescue equipment to get them out.

"Cornwall Fire & Rescue are currently in attendance with resources from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue attempting to rescue four paddle boarders who are stuck in the mud approximately 150 to 200 metres from shore.

"An appliance from Saltash is in attendance as well as a water rescue unit from St Austell and one from Devon, as well as officers from Cornwall and Devon.

"Water rescue equipment is being set up to to give access to the casualties.

"Update 1600 hours: In a joint operation which also involved coastguard teams, all four casualties have been successfully rescued to the shoreline".

Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service

The group were stranded at least 100m out and 100m apart in the Cargreen area, triggering a multi-agency rescue

HM Coastguard Area Commander for South Devon and South-East Cornwall, Drew Parkinson, tweeted: "Tamar CRT and @PrawlePointCG were tasked to four paddleboarders who had found themselves on mud flats on the River Tamar.

"Some excellent multi-agency working with @CornwallFRS saw all persons recovered safely before a long cleaning process commenced".

Drew Parkinson, HM Coastguard

Station Manager for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue, John Noblett, posted: "This really was a joint effort with each boarder at least 100 meters out and 100 meters apart!

"Great joint working for a happy outcome #bewateraware".

John Noblett, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue