RNLI Mudeford respond to assist person in The River Stour

RNLI Mudeford was tasked to a multi agency shout at 10:48am this morning by HM Coastguard to assist a person in the water.

Dorset Fire Brigade, South Western Ambulance and Southbourne Coastguard all responded along with RNLI Mudeford to assist a lady rescuing her dog in the water 400m upstream from Tuckton Bridge in The River Stour.

A dog in the river was being swept downstream by strong flowing flood water. The dog’s owner started shouting for help and went into the water to rescue the dog. Luckily, the lady’s shouting was heard by a local resident who swiftly grabbed his boat keys, launched his boat and managed to get hold of the lady in the water. On promising that people would come back for the dog, the man convinced the dog owner to let go of the dog so he could help her into the boat. The dog swam to the river bank and the local resident managed to pull the casualty into his boat.

A nearby canoeist headed for the river bank to assist the dog, who by now had become stuck in a steep riverbank. RNLI Mudeford arrived at the scene and transported the lady to the other side of the river to the awaiting Fire Brigade and Ambulance where she was assessed by SW Ambulance service.

Another local resident collected a dog lead from her home and helped the RNLI retrieve the dog from the riverbank, the dog was then handed to the Fire brigade on the shore to be looked after.

Finally, RNLI Mudeford conducted a search of the nearby riverbanks to ensure no one else was involved.The RNLI lifeboat Mudeford Servant returned to base and was ready for service again by midday.

An RNLI spokesperson said:

'It’s always a pleasure to work on a successful rescue with our colleagues from Dorset Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, South Western Ambulance Service and Southbourne Coastguard. We are extremely grateful to the local resident who saved the lady, and the canoeist and resident who came to assist.

'As hard as it might be, if a dog get's into trouble in or near the water please don't attempt the rescue yourself. If the dog is unable to get to safety when you call his/her name, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. RNLI volunteers are trained to rescue people - or animals - that are in danger on the coast, please don't put yourself in any unnecessary risk.'

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

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.