Three rescues in one day for Mudeford RNLI
On Saturday 31 May, Mudeford RNLI’s volunteer crew were tasked to search and assist a man whose inflatable dinghy had been swept out to sea near Barton-on-Sea.
The crew were tasked at 10:50am by HM Coastguard and launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, at 10:59am. Despite thick fog limiting visibility, the lifeboat arrived on scene by 11:10am and began a coordinated search effort.
With valuable assistance from local jet-skiers and Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team, the casualty was located near Taddiford Gap. He was brought safely aboard the lifeboat and transported back to Barton. The casualty did not require medical attention.
Later the same day, the Mudeford RNLI crew were tasked to a wing-foiler in difficulty approximately 2/3 mile off Hengistbury Head. The crew launched at 4.52pm and were on scene at 5.02pm.
The casualty, who had been recovered by a passing fishing vessel, was very cold and was transferred to the Mudeford RNLI lifeboat who brought the casualty to the station for medical attention.
During the return to the station, a member of the Mudeford RNLI crew spotted an adult and child in an inflatable boat struggling against a strong ebb tide and southwest wind. The lifeboat crew gave them advice and watched them return safely back to Avon Beach.
Mudeford RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Tim Hewett, said:
‘Even as the summer approaches, sea and weather conditions can be unpredictable. Warm moist air hitting a cold sea can cause fog very quickly. Tides and wind can also make the sea a hazardous environment particularly for inflatable vessels which can easily be blown offshore.
‘For safety, we always recommend you have the right equipment whenever on the water and inflatables should not be used out at sea.
‘Before you set out always let someone know where you are and have a means of raising the alarm should you get into difficulty.
‘We are pleased all the casualties were safely recovered, and we thank the Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team, Hengistbury Head NCI and the fishermen and jet-skiers who helped in the rescues.’
So far in 2025, Mudeford RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Henrietta H has launched 30 times. in 2024, the station responded to 82 callouts.
For tips and guidance on how to stay safe on or near the water, visit: https://rnli.org/safety
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.