Holidaymaker rescued in mud incident on Whitby beach

Kadassi Nembhard became trapped after she rushed to grab her young daughter who started to sink while playing on the sands at Whitby Harbour.

The mum, from Darwen, in Lancashire, was on the final day of a three-day trip to Whitby with her son and daughter, as well as her friend and her friend’s son.

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Kadassi said the group had gone done to the beach on Wednesday, while the tide was out, when her three-year-old daughter started to sink, as she and her friend’s son played by the water’s edge.

Kadassi Nembhard was walking along the beach in Whitby with her children, friend and friend’s son when she got stuck in the mud. Photo Kadassi Nembhard.

Kadassi said: ” My daughter panicked and as I went to grab her, I got stuck.

“I managed to get her out safely. But then my feet were completely stuck, I just didn’t know what to do.

“Panic set in and I turned round to my friend and said ‘I’m stuck’. It got deep within seconds. It was just below my knees.

“I had boots on as well. There was no wriggle room and I couldn’t move my feet at all.”

Whitby Coastguard praised Kadassi for remaining still and asking for help, which they said significantly reduced her chances of coming to further harm. Photo HM Coastguard Whitby

Kadassi said two passers-by came to try to help free her, but kept getting stuck themselves, so instead tried to keep her calm from a distance.

Shortly afterwards the emergency services arrived and managed to dig the Kadassi out with the help of a spade, a plank of wood and a signboard brought by a local fisherman.

Kadassi said the experience was “really scary” and that she would be “forever grateful” to the Whitby Coastguard and fire and rescue teams who brought her to safety.

Coastguard Rescue Officers responded to the incident alongside colleagues from Whitby RNLI lifeboat, North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Photo Whitby Coastguard

“They literally saved my life, saved my daughter’s life. I know some of them are volunteers.

“They’re real-life heroes and the aftercare they provided was second to none. I’m forever grateful to them for saving me.”

She also thanked the two passers-by who talked to her and helped keep her calm while help was on its way.

Whitby Coastguard praised Kadassi for remaining still which they said significantly reduced her chances of coming to further harm.

A spokesperson said Coastguard Rescue Officers responded to the incident alongside colleagues from Whitby RNLI lifeboat, North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, which was another great example of how well agencies work together when someone needs help.

Coastguard Rescue Officers responded to the incident alongside colleagues from Whitby RNLI lifeboat, North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Photo Whitby Coastguard

“Thanks to the close proximity of the RNLI boathouse, RNLI crew were quickly on scene and able to reach the casualty. Using digging equipment and some boarding sourced locally, their prompt and calm actions helped free the casualty safely.

“Coastguard officers then assisted the casualty to the boathouse, where they were able to warm up, change into dry clothing, and continue with their day after what would have been a worrying experience.

“Once again, a strong multi-agency response resulted in a positive outcome. The casualty did exactly the right thing by remaining still and asking for assistance, which significantly reduced the risk of further harm.

“Mud and soft ground around harbours and estuaries can be extremely dangerous, especially as tides change and weather is damper than usual after frost and snow, making ground even softer underfoot.

“If you see anyone in trouble around the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”