A quick-thinking fisherman went to the rescue of two women who got stuck in mud on a beach in dense fog – after hearing their cries for help.
The two women had been taking an evening walk on the beach at Burnham-on-Sea when they found themselves disorientated after thick fog started to descend.
With no lights or landmarks visible due to weather, the women wandered towards the mud and, realising they were in trouble, called the coastguard on 999 for help.
Luckily for the pair, a nearby fisherman heard their cries and went to their aid, taking them back to the safety of the beach.
The Burnham-on-Sea Search and Rescue (BARB) team and hovercraft were already preparing to launch after being alerted by the coastguard to the emergency.
A spokesman for BARB said: “We were tasked to two persons who were reported to be stuck in the mud and calling for help.
“They had been enjoying a fresh walk along the beach while visiting the area when the thick fog descended and enveloped them which left them disorientated with no visible lights or landmarks to head towards.
“As they continued on they wandered towards the mud and at that point rightly decided they needed help.
"They dialled 999 and asked for the coastguard who tasked us and also due to the nature of the call also tasked BARB Search & Rescue - Burnham-on-Sea hovercraft to help out if needed.
"As we gathered more info the persons in difficulty were still on the phone to our Coastguard Operations Centre and they told them that a local fisherman had heard them calling and went along to assist them back to safety of the beach and a pathway back onto the clearer roadside.”
Rescue crews met the women by Trinity Rise and checked them over. The two women were not hurt.
The spokesman added: “They were very thankful to the fisherman and explained how the fog had come in so quickly and was like nothing they had experienced before.
“A big well done to the fisherman who helped the two ladies back to safety, his local knowledge saved the day for two very worried visitors.
“This was another fine example of Burnham's wonderful community.”
Anyone who finds themselves in difficulty along the coast should dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
