By David LennardA DAY'S fishing at a lake almost ended in tragedy for two anglers after they became trapped up to their necks in muddy water.John Fisher, 21, and Lee Schamp, 16, were enjoying their fishing trip at the lake on Kirkley Fenn Park in Lowestoft yesterday when they decided to wade across to an island.

By David Lennard

A DAY'S fishing at a lake almost ended in tragedy for two anglers after they became trapped up to their necks in muddy water.

John Fisher, 21, and Lee Schamp, 16, were enjoying their fishing trip at the lake on Kirkley Fenn Park in Lowestoft yesterday when they decided to wade across to an island.

As the two anglers tried to wade across with their fishing gear, they became trapped and were unable to make it back to the safety of the park or across to the island.

Fortuantely, Lee, a trainee disc jockey, had his mobile telephone with him and Mr Fisher was able to use it to make an emergency call.

It was relayed at 12.05pm to the Lowestoft Coastguard Rescue Team by Suffolk Fire Service and the Norfolk Broads RNLI inland rescue boat was sent to the scene.

The two anglers were rescued by the boat crew and taken back to the shore. Although shaken by their experience, they were not suffering from any injuries after being trapped in the muddy water for about 20 minutes.

Mr Fisher, a self-employed landscape gardener, said: “There are some better fish over the other side of the lake, so we decided to go to the middle. We got in the water and started going across.

“It wasn't that deep, but then started getting deep and we just sank in the mud and got tangled in our gear.

“Lee wanted to swim back across, but I wouldn't let him. So I took his phone and called the fire brigade. They couldn't help, but next thing the lifeboat chaps turned up.”

Mr Fisher felt there should be a sign at the lake warning people not to go in - currently there is just a warning about thin ice. “If it had been someone smaller, I don't think they would have got out,” he added.

Lee said: “It was a very frightening experience and I wanted to try to make it back to the park. But John said it would be too dangerous to try to move, so he used my mobile and telephoned the fire service. We are very grateful to the emergency services as they were soon with us and helped us to safety.”

But the experience has not put the teenager off his love for fishing. “I really enjoy my fishing and John and I are already making plans for our next trip this weekend. One thing is for certain and that is we will not be wading out into the water again,” he said.

But coastguards said the two anglers had been lucky to avoid serious injury. Peter Wheeler, Yarmouth Coastguard watch manager, added: “They were stuck up to their necks in mud and water.

“They were not moving, but they were tangled up in deep water and it could have been quite nasty if they had fallen. They were fine, just a little bit shaken.”

Mr Wheeler said anyone who was planning a fishing trip, whether at sea or on an inland lake, should take all the necessary precautions when near water.

“If you see anyone in trouble on the cliffs, shoreline or coast, or you are in trouble yourself, do not hesitate to call 999 and ask for the coastguard,” he added.

david.lennard@eadt.co.uk