Mud-stuck duo rescued from tides

The coastguard has warned about the dangers of tides in the area

Two 15-year-old boys have been rescued from rapidly rising tides after getting stuck in mud while out quadbiking in south west Scotland.

Their machines got lodged in heavy sands off Newbie near Annan at about 1800 BST on Monday.

With the tide rising around them, they leapt off the bikes only to become stuck themselves.

The waters had reached shoulder-height by the time the pair were rescued by family members who were nearby.

A major rescue operation was launched with three lifeboats sent to the scene along with the HMS Gannet SeaKing rescue helicopter.

It appears this area is popular with youngsters and this incident is a serious reminder that water safety should be respected Sgt Lee Black

Stewart Bryden, Annan Coastguard's station officer, said both teenagers and the people who rescued them were very lucky.

"The tide was rising extremely fast and by the time the pair were reached the water had already reached their upper arms," he said.

"The rescuers are to be commended for what they did but they were also very fortunate that they were not stuck in the mud too."

The incident has prompted a warning from coastguards about the importance of being aware of the time of tides on the Solway Firth.

'Dangers involved'

Water levels in the area can rise six feet in the space of an hour.

Coastguards also asked the public to make sure they have communication equipment and lifejackets before heading out onto the sands.

Police have also warned about the dangers of the area.

Sgt Lee Black, of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, said: "It appears this area is popular with youngsters and this incident is a serious reminder that water safety should be respected."

"I would urge parents to warn their children of the dangers involved with water and to be extremely careful if playing near the shoreline.

"The water can come in very quickly and sand may not be as stable as you think - motorised vehicles should never be used on soft ground."