EMERGENCY services rescued a man after he became stuck in mud yesterday.

The incident happened just after 12pm on a cliff west of Seatown.

The man, who is aged 49, became stuck 20 feet up the cliff and had to be freed by firefighters.

He was then treated by the ambulance service.

West Bay Coastguard were called by the National Maritime Operations Centre to provide backup to a team from Lyme Regis, who were responding to the incident.

A spokesman from West Bay Coastguard said: “Seven Rescue Officers from West Bay including the teams Deputy Station Officer (DSO) quickly responded to the station, gathered their equipment and vehicle then headed for Seatown. Once on scene, the West Bay team came under the command of the Lyme Regis OIC (Officer in Charge) and assisted with the transporting equipment and personnel to the rescue site.”

Dorset Fire & Rescue and the South Western Ambulance Service along with their HART Team (Hazardous Area Response) were also responding to the incident.

The spokesman added: “The Coastguard then supported Dorset Fire & Rescue who freed the trapped man, after which he was transported back to Seatown and left in the expert care of the ambulance service.”

Dorset Echo:

Picture: West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team

West Bay Coastguard have issued some advice to residents following the incident.

It says: “Do not put yourself at risk by climbing the cliffs or investigating muddy area’s as you could easily become stuck. If you do become stuck in the mud, then remain calm and keep as still as you can. Don’t struggle as this could make the situation worse. Spread your weight as much as possible and discourage others from attempting to rescue you. Alert the Coastguard via 999 who will send a specially trained Mud Rescue Team. If you find yourself in difficulty or if you see something which gives you cause for concern, do not hesitate… Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Staff from the Anchor Inn at Seatown have been praised for helping coastguards during the rescue.

The spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: “Special thanks goes out to the The Anchor Inn at Seatown, whose staff and guests helped move vehicles so the emergency services could gain access to the beach.”