Mudeford RNLI rescue boy trapped in the mud
At 3.17pm on Sunday 11 May 2025, the Mudeford RNLI volunteer crew were tasked to a boy and girl stuck in the harbour mud near Christchurch Harbour Hotel. Seeing the children in difficulty, a member of the public contacted the Coastguard.
Due to the location of the casualties the crew made their way by car to the hotel and arrived on scene at 3.34pm. The boy was found up to his chest in mud and the crew immediately got a rope to secure him while they attempted to dig him out by hand.
The crew had to use a paddleboard and stretcher to stop themselves from sinking in the mud, but they eventually managed to free the boy and lift him onto the paddleboard. He was then transferred to the stretcher so he could be extracted to shore with the help and expertise of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service.
The girl was also recovered to shore and given casualty-care by a member of the crew. Both casualties were cold and shivering and were wrapped in blankets and given warm drinks before being handed over to the paramedics on scene. Also on scene were two Coastguard Rescue Teams. The Mudeford RNLI crew were then stood down and left the scene at 4.02pm.
Mudeford RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Tim Hewett, said, ‘This was a very serious incident. Both casualties had been in the mud and water for some time and were cold and exhausted.
‘The successful outcome was a true team effort. I would like to thank everyone who attended from the emergency services and to the team at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel who did everything possible to assist in the rescue.’
Mudeford RNLI, Water Safety Officer, Jane Parkinson said, ‘With the current warm weather we are seeing more local residents and visitors swimming in the sea and children are exploring the harbour and beach. It is important to be aware that during low tide the mud can be very unsafe to walk on and getting ‘stuck in the mud’ can happen very quickly. Always seek local advice about safe areas to walk, check the tide and weather forecast and plan your activity accordingly.’
Mudeford RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H has launched 22 times this year so far and the volunteer crew attended 82 shouts last year.
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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