FIREfIGHTERS carried out a dramatic rescue after a woman became stuck in the mud when she fell from a pontoon.

Emergency services were called to Downs Road, Maldon, on Sunday night after a woman fell off the pontoon and got stuck in the River Blackwater.

Unable to get back to dry land, ambulance crews and firefighters worked to try and free her.

Two fire crews and paramedics attended.

On-call firefighters pumped gas into the mud to loosen it so the woman could be pulled out.

After being stuck for more than 45 minutes, she was eventually freed and taken to Broomfield Hospital for further treatment.

The South Woodham Coastguard and Rescue team were also on standby during the rescue but were stood down after the woman was freed.

A spokesmen for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters helped a woman who had fallen off a pontoon into mud and was unable to get back onto dry land.

“The incident happened in Downs Road, Maldon, at 10.30pm on Sunday, February 12. Two fire engines attended the incident. The woman was rescued by 11.20pm and left in the care of the ambulance service.”

Maldon town councillor, Stephen Nunn urged people to remember the potential dangers of the river.

He said: “We should never take the river for granted. Although it’s a beautiful feature it can be dangerous.

“There are various courses where people can learn how to stay safe around the river, including the ones offered by Maldon Little Ship Club.”

Residents in the area agree the issue lies with education.

Heather Richards, 54, of Downs Road said: “I don’t think it is dangerous here.

“It is more a case of education than protection. It’s about people remembering the right things to do around the water.

“If it was dark and late at night it could have been as simple as a slip and that would not have been helped by any different safety measures.”