TREACHEROUS mud which blends in to the coastal environment, made worse by recent cliff falls of slimy and sticky clay, has led to three rescues in four days this week.

People have been getting trapped in the mud, or quicksand, and have had to be rescued by specialists from coastguard, lifeboat and fire teams.

Warnings have gone out about the hidden danger along the Island's coasts.

Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Station's operations manager Mark Southwell told the County Press: “The problem seems to be occurring due to the heavy rains we have been experiencing, causing multiple cliff falls across the Island.

"The cliffs here are made of blue clay, which when wet, becomes incredibly slimy and sticky.

"It is easy for people and pets to get bogged down in mud from recent falls, which can lead to people getting trapped by the tides.”

IW senior coastal operations officer for HM Coastguard, Kerry Daly-Lees, said: "It isn’t uncommon for coastal walkers to get stuck in the mud, it’s very easy to get caught out, so it’s important you know what to do if it happens to you.

“Mud isn’t always easy to spot on our coasts – it blends in and doesn’t look that treacherous – but if you step on it, you can suddenly find yourself stuck and potentially with the tide coming in.

“Even when you know the coast well, it’s too easy to get into a sticky situation, especially when tides and mud/quicksand are thrown into the mix.

“Pay attention to local warning signs, if it says there’s mud in a certain spot, it’s recommended that you stay well away.

“Be safe not sorry, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard for help.”

On Saturday, crews rescued a woman stuck up to her waist in mud near Fort Albert, near Totland. She was freed, together with two others, and taken back to shore by lifeboat.

On Monday evening, a person was rescued after getting stuck in mud on Monday evening at Priory Bay.

Then on Tuesday afternoon, emergency services were sent to assist two people stuck in mud at Nodes Point in St Helens.

Firefighters worked alongside lifeboat crews and used specialist extraction equipment to release the casualties stuck in the mud. Paramedics treated the individuals at the scene.

HM Coastguard has this advice:

If you do get stuck, spread your weight across the surface, try not to move and stay as calm as you can.

Discourage other people from trying to rescue you as they may get stuck too.

If you have a phone, dial 999 for the Coastguard. If you don’t have a phone, shout for help.

Avoid moving or flailing in the soft mud or sand as you can sink even further.