THREE drunk girls were rescued after getting stuck in the mud off the coast of Southend.

Southend Coastguard were called to reports of three females possibly stuck in the mud on the coast near to Alexandra Yacht Club.

Canvey Coastguard and a mud specialist team from South Woodham Coastguard Rescue Team were also sent to the scene at 7.10pm last night.

A spokesman said: "Once Southend Coastguard were on scene we spoke to the first informant who identified three females now walking slowly and uneasily back to shore.

"The three females were all minors who had been drinking and were now very wet and covered in mud from laying or falling on the mudflats fully clothed.

"Coastguard officers were concerned for their welfare as they had informed us were going to take a bus back to homes in Basildon but we knew that their last bus had now finished for the evening and with very little money, had no means of getting home.

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"Coastguard officers gave them casualty blankets to help keep them warm as they had no other clothes to change into from the wet clothes they were wearing, whilst Dover MRCC called Essex Police for assistance.

"Once Essex Police were on scene they were able to convince the minors that parents needed to come and collect them.

"Once Essex Police were able to get hold of one of their parents to arrange transport, Southend Coastguard were stood down as the 3 females were now in the care of Essex Police.

"Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."