Mudeford RNLI responds to mayday call from smoking vessel

The vessel, with two people on board, had reported thick black smoke billowing from its engine compartment, raising fears of an onboard fire. Two other boats in the area had responded to the Mayday and were standing by the casualty vessel when the lifeboat arrived on scene around 15 minutes later.

By the time the lifeboat crew reached the location, the vessel’s owner had switched off the engine and all power, which led to the smoke subsiding. The owner had also opened the engine hatch to check for signs of fire.

Although no active fire was found, the crew reported a strong burning rubber smell which likely accounted for the black smoke. After confirming there was no longer a fire risk, the owner contacted Sea Start to arrange a tow into Poole Harbour.

Due to the vessel’s lack of power and no manual handle available, the anchor could not be deployed. With the boat drifting, the lifeboat crew made the decision to begin towing the casualty vessel towards Poole. A successful rendezvous and handover to Sea Start occurred off Boscombe at 1:33pm

The Mudeford lifeboat then returned to station, where it was refuelled and made ready for service. Mudeford RNLI volunteer Helm Liam Sexton commented:

‘This incident highlights how quickly smoke or mechanical issues at sea can escalate. The vessel’s owner did exactly the right thing by switching off the engines and making an early Mayday call, allowing us and others nearby to respond swiftly.

‘Thankfully, this was not a fire, but the potential was there, and we explained to the owners the dangers in opening the engine compartment. Introducing air to a fire-risk area could lead to a flashover. If you suspect an engine fire keep the hatch closed and call the Coastguard.

'We’re grateful for the safe outcome and thank you to the two vessels that responded to the Mayday and Sea Start in completing the tow.'

The Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H has launched to 36 shouts this year so far and the crew responded to 82 shouts in 2024.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.