Two bungling tourists sank into 'quicksand' on a restricted stretch of beach.

The holidaymakers ignored signs, chased flamingos and ended up waist-deep in a salt-pan trap, a dangerous mud hazard.

They climbed past barriers and danger signs – and kept walking even after the ground began to swallow them. Local reports said they wanted pictures of the park's flamingos.

Firefighters had to lay ladders on the sludge so rescuers did not sink too.

The pair were pulled out unhurt and hosed down on the spot.

The drama unfolded at the Molentargius-Saline Natural Park in Quartu Sant'Elena in Sardinia, Italy, last Monday (September 14).

They walked into a closed-off salt pan beside Viale Colombo, on the way to Poetto beach.

While the crust appeared solid, underneath lay wet sediment that acted like quicksand.

Passers-by raised the alarm, and fire crews, local police and an ambulance all attended. Officers had to hold back a crowd that gathered to watch.

Rescuers used ropes as well as the upturned ladders to save the women, who did not require hospital treatment.

They were simply given water and hosed down, as reported by creatorzine.com.

Park bosses said access was 'strictly forbidden' and clearly signed.

'Molentargius is a protected area, and the restrictions are there to stop people harming the birds and the park's delicate ecosystem,' they said.

'Breaking the rules is subject to sanctions, including a significant amount.'

Director Marianna Mossa said: 'What happened this morning also shows that respecting the restrictions is vital for people's safety.'

She added: 'The basins are not accessible or walkable. The surface of the sediment can look stable, but it hides extremely treacherous conditions.

'The risk of sinking can appear suddenly, as unfortunately happened this morning.'

Officials said they are waiting for the local police report to proceed.

The fines are expected to come from the forestry police.