RNLI Mudeford respond to Mayday
Sunday 29th July RNLI Mudeford launched at 06:45 to a Mayday situation within Christchurch harbour.
Low water was at 06:00 and the weather conditions in the harbour were Force 6/7 (35 mph) South westerly wind, accompanied by heavy rain.
The casualty vessel had fallen foul of the tides and heavy weather conditions.
This caused it to run aground on a mud bank resulting in damage to its structural integrity and causing it to take on water.
With 5 adults on board the owner of the casualty vessel sent a mayday message to Solent Coast Guard requesting immediate assistance.
RNLI Mudeford were on scene within 4 minutes of launch. The occupants were checked and it was decided that it would be best to remove all on board to the safety of the Lifeboat.
RNLI Mudeford returned back to the vessel after all occupants were placed on dry land and were being supported by the RNLI Mudeford shore crew.
On further inspection and with the amount of water in the vessel meaning its stability was compromised - it was deemed that the boat would be best left on the mud bank at anchor until the owner could arrange for it to be recovered.
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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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