Three men and a woman were rescued this evening after their wooden launch got stuck on mud at Fleet Mill Reach on the River Dart, near Sharpham Point, Ashprington.

The four, aged 61 to 81, were rescued in a joint operation between the fire service, the Dart RNLI inshore lifeboat and the Coastguard.

A fire service spokesman said: ’Two fire appliances from Totnes, together with the special rescue team from Camels Head in Plymouth, were mobilised following a request from the Coastguard for our assistance to help rescue for adults, who had become stuck on a 14ft wooden launch, in mud and were unable to make it back to dry land.

’After liaising with the Coastguard, RNLI, Dartmouth inshore lifeboat and Teignmouth mud team, the four were rescued, uninjured.

’Our specialist rescue rigid inflatable boat, inflatable walkways, dry suits and lighting were used in conjunction with the other rescue services equipment to carry out the rescue.

’Once on dry land the casualties were left in the care of the hazardous care response team, being checked over as a precaution. The incident has been left in the hands of the Coastguard.’

We hope to update this story if we get more information.