IT was interesting to see in last week's Times, on page 54, the two articles on mud rescues which took place on the rivers Tavy and Tamar. What a pity that only a mud mat system was available when in other parts of the country they have specialist groups using hovercraft and, in one case, an airboat. These groups are linked in with mountain rescue organisations, the RNLI or Fire and Rescue Services, often all three together. A number of years ago, my researches indicated a likely need for these in this area, with a possible call out rate of at least one per month. Regretfully there was no interest shown. Is it therefore now time to reconsider forming a hovercraft  search and rescue group to cover the river Tamar and its various tributaries, including of course Plymouth Sound itself? Rex Harpham Chollacott Close Tavistock