AN experienced moorings officer has thanked rescuers after getting stuck waist deep in mud.

Paul Killick, 77, from the Alresford Creek Boat Owners Association, got stuck in mud about 25 metres from the shore off Ford Lane, Alresford, on Thursday evening.

Coastguards and fire crews from Colchester and Wivenhoe, along with the brigade’s search and rescue team, were called to the creek at about 8.10pm.

Paul Killick, who lives in Colchester Road, said: “I was digging a mooring in and couldn’t get out of the hole.

“I had a dinghy with me and I managed to get one leg out.

“A chap was walking past and I asked him to call up to the house to get some rope, so I could pull myself out.

“They tried this and failed and then the fire brigade came and tried the same thing.

“The coastguard then came along with his mat and put his arms under my arms and pulled me up.

“I’ve been moorings officer for several years and nothing like this has ever happened before. I would like to say thank you to the fire crews and the coastguards who came to my aid.

“They insisted I went to hospital as I didn’t want to go - I just wanted to drive home and have a hot bath.”

A spokesman for the fire service said crews stayed with Mr Killick while the rescue operation was being set up and wrapped him in blankets to keep him warm.

Water trained firefighters used a sand lance - a piece of rescue equipment which uses air to loosen the mud - to help release Mr Killick and then used inflatable paths to get him back to shore by 9.30pm.

He was left in the care of paramedics.

Watch manager David Bond said: “This incident shows how unpredictable mud and water can be, even for people with experience of working in that environment.

“Getting stuck in the mud can be dangerous, especially at night.

“Be aware of tide times and always carry a mobile phone. In the event of an emergency call 999.”