Emergency crews in Whitby pulled off a careful rescue on Wednesday after a woman became trapped in deep mud at the harbour just before midday. Responders from several agencies arrived and worked together to free her.

Whitby Coastguard said the operation involved Whitby RNLI lifeboat crews, police, and fire services. They brought in digging tools and boarding to create a safe path and lift point.

“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,” a spokesperson said.

The rescue team credited the woman for making the right choices in a stressful moment. She stayed still and called for help, which “significantly reduced” the risk of further harm, according to the Coastguard.

Crews said the mud and soft ground around the harbour can be unpredictable. Tides shift quickly, and recent damp weather has made the area even softer than usual underfoot.

“While Whitby Coastguard is a specialist cliff rescue team and not operationally designated for mud rescue, our officers train across a wide range of scenarios using similar rescue systems and principles,” the spokesperson said. “This shared training and close working relationship with partner agencies allows us to integrate smoothly and support incidents like this safely and effectively.”

By early afternoon, the woman was safe, warm, and on her way, thanks to a team that relied on experience, coordination, and a bit of old-fashioned digging.