Freeport firefighters say a surveyor had to be rescued when he became stuck in mud up to his waist.

Deputy Fire Chief Eric Sylvain tells the Times Record the episode unfolded Sunday in a pond that has been drained near I-95 by Exit 22 in Freeport.

He said the more than man wiggled, the more he became stuck.

A Freeport police officer trying to help nearly became stuck himself and was forced to retreat.

Sylvain said it took 90 minutes for firefighters to get the man to safety. Firefighters used a system of ladders across the mud to reach the man and then used shovels and straps to free him.

Officials say the surveyor was exhausted but was not hurt.