Teenagers rescued as RNLI Mudeford tasked twice in 2 days during lockdown
Crews were called out on consecutive nights, rescuing two teenage boys on the second night.
Thursday night at 9.47pm RNLI Mudeford and Lymington Coastguard were tasked following a 999 call from a concerned member of the public. Debris including a light was seen in the water by a groyne off Highcliffe beach. The sea state was moderate with a dumping surf which prevented the RNLI Lifeboat Mudeford Servant being able to get closer than 200m to the shore. Visibility was clear but dark, and the crew performed a torch search of the area whilst Lymington Coastguard carried out a land and shore search. The Coastguard determined it was non-maritime debris. Both RNLI Mudeford and Lymington Coastguard widened their search to a ¼ mile radius, then to a ½ mile radius and were stood down.
Last night (Friday) at 8.18pm the station was tasked to assist two teenagers in need of assistance ¼ mile off Hengistbury Head. The male youths, aged 15 and 16, were in a dinghy hull with no rudder and no sail. They had paddled out to sea and lost the paddle overboard, the dinghy got caught in the tide and started sweeping them further out in the Swanage direction.
Luckily, it was a clear evening with a North Westerly wind, Force 1-2, and a slight sea state.When the RNLI lifeboat Mudeford Servant arrived on scene, the youths had no life jackets and were very cold. The volunteer crew brought both casualties onboard the lifeboat and wrapped them in a thermal protective layer to keep them warm. The youths and the dinghy hull were all recovered and taken to RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat station, where they were met by Southbourne Coastguard rescue team, Dorset Police and and ambulance.
The RNLI crew follow strict procedures during COVID19. Not only do the crew put themselves in danger to assist others, once the shout is completed they spend hours thoroughly disinfecting the lifeboat, lifeboat station and all casualty equipment. This ensures the equipment and environment are safe and ready for the next crew and any possible casualties.
The crew and volunteers at RNLI Mudeford ask that you please follow the government’s advice and stay out of the water at this time.
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.