17 June 2012 Last updated at 07:42 ET

Quicksand traps man waist-deep in Hampshire

Solent Coastguards have warned people about the dangers of quicksand following the incident

A 51-year-old man was rescued by coastguards after becoming stranded waist-deep in quicksand.

The man sunk into the mud near a track between Milford on Sea and Barton on Sea in Hampshire on Saturday afternoon.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said he had been walking along the beach with his bike when he noticed that the tide was coming in.

As he tried to make his way further up the beach and away from the water he began sinking into the ground.

The man was stuck for about 40 minutes before being rescued, the spokeswoman said.

"There was also the added risk of an unstable cliff above him showing signs of imminent collapse," she added.

'Stay calm'

The man dialled 999 on his mobile phone and Solent Coastguard sent rescue teams from Lymington and Southbourne to the track at Taddiford Gap, alongside a specialist coastguard mud rescue team from Hillhead.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the South Central Ambulance Service also helped with the rescue.

Mike O'Sullivan, Solent Coastguard watch manager, said: "The heavy recent rain and incoming tides can create areas of quicksand which quickly suck you in.

"If you become stuck in mud you should try and spread your weight as much as possible and if you have a mobile phone dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

"Avoid moving and stay as calm as you can.

"You should also discourage other well-meaning members of the public from attempting to rescue you because without the proper equipment they could become stuck too."