Fire Service called to Marshland Rescue

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to a dramatic incident today ( Saturday 18th January) after a woman got trapped in a marsh whilst walking her dogs.

The incident took place at 11.14 am.

Fire Control received a 999 call from a local woman who whilst out walking her three dogs at Abbeyford Woods just north of Okehampton  accidently wandered into marshland resulting in her becoming stuck in the marsh and slowly sinking.

Distressed and suffering from the onset of hypothermia the caller was slightly disorientated and was unable to give the fire control call handler a precise location. Based on the information passed by the caller, appliances from Okehampton and specialist rescue appliances from Barnstaple were mobilised and instructed to co-ordinate a search of the area in and around Abbeyford Woods.

Keeping the caller on the line whilst getting the in area fire service appliances to sound their two tone horns, firefighters were able to ascertain that the caller was nearby as she could hear the horns and two tones.

20 Firefighters, many on foot, searched what was a widespread area with rough terrain and after approx 45 to 50 minutes the woman was eventually found stuck firmly in the mud and suffering from shock and hypothermia.

Rescued from the mud by several firefighters, she was taken to the main road where they administered first aid to her until handing her over to the ambulance service were she was then taken to hospital.

A local neighbour was contacted and they were able to come and safely retrieve the three dogs.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed there is no further information and this incident is now closed.