Firefighters and the coastguard have rescued a man after he became stranded on a catamaran off Calshot Spit.

Eyewitnesses in Calshot reported seeing five fire engines and a Coastguard lifeboat off the shore after a catamaran sailor had become stuck in thick mud.

The incident took place near Calshot Activity Centre and the rescue teams worked for more than an hour to get the sailor back to safety.

Speaking as the incident was unfolding, a spokesperson for the Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard is responding to a report of a small sailing catamaran aground on mud near Calshot Spit, with one man on board.

“The report was made at about 11.50am on May 3.2

“Lymington and Hill Head Coastguard Rescue Team have been sent, as well as Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service.”

Later in the afternoon at around 2pm, the Coastguard confirmed that the man was firmly ashore and had be brought back to safety.

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The spokesperson added: “The Coastguard Rescue Teams worked with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to recover the man to shore, safe and well.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire said: "Firefighters from Hardley and Redbridge worked with Coastguard partners to rescue a man from a catamaran stuck in mud.

"Crews were alerted at around midday to the incident near Calshot.

"Coastguard teams rescued the man who was fit and well.

"The stop message came in at 13:18."

Hampshire Constabulary also confirmed that it was not in attendance at the scene but was aware and monitoring the situation while it unfolded.