TWO teenagers who got themselves stuck in thick mud on a remote stretch of shoreline on the Isle of Wight, sparked a major multi-agency, emergency rescue response.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Rescue Service, in partnership with Solent Coastguard and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and police, were called out to Thorness Bay, near Gurnard, at 5.20pm this afternoon (Sunday).

They had received a report two people got themselves stuck in thick mud. 

A crew of firefighters from Newport, together with Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team, Cowes RNLI lifeboat, Island police and Gosport Independent Lifeboat went to the walkers' aid — working in poor light, then total darkness.  

Cowes lifeboat found the youngsters, a girl aged 15 and a boy aged 16, immobile in very cold water up to their knees, which was slowly rising towards their waists, after being trapped for several hours.

Both teenagers were safely rescued — pulled out from thick mud — and placed into the care of waiting paramedics.

Solent Coastguard's helicopter was also on stand-by as support, but was stood down.

The operation was wrapped up at around 8pm.