Lymington lifeboat brings stranded motorboat and two crew safely back to shore
On Saturday 15 October at 11.50am, Lymington lifeboat station received a call from Solent Coastguard requesting they launch to attend a 14ft motorboat with engine failure and two people on board in the vicinity of Lepe.
The inshore lifeboat David Bradley with four volunteer crew arrived on scene approximately 10 mins after launch to assess the situation. The vessel was found to be at anchor in shallow water, close to the shore. The way the boat was anchored combined with a flood tide, rough seas and an onshore force 7 wind, meant the boat was rolling, taking on water and needed to be moved to a safer location as soon as possible.
Lifeboat crew Ed Wallrock boarded the motorboat, checked that the damp casualties were otherwise unhurt, set up a tow bridle and released the anchor line. ‘Once underway the boat started taking on water over the bow and filling up fast. I moved everyone to the stern and started to assist in bailing.’ Ed recalls.
Once inside the Beaulieu River, the motorboat was brought alongside and delivered safely to Gins Farm visitor pontoon, where the Coastguard was waiting.
‘With this type of vessel, stranded side-on, on a lee shore, in challenging weather conditions there was a real concern it could have been swamped or swept onto the shore.’ Ed continued. ‘We would like to remind all recreational boaters that it is recommended to wear a lifejacket and prepare for every eventuality.’
On return to Lymington, the lifeboat was able to flyby David Bradley’s daughter’s wedding on Tanners Lane beach. The stations Atlantic 85 B-882 inshore lifeboat is named after David Bradley whose memorial made a major donation that allows the Lymington crew to continue to save lives at sea.
Crew: Phil Baker (Helm), Simon Naylor, Ed Wallrock, Greg Pachany.
Ends
RNLI Contact details:
Jo Styles, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Lymington Lifeboat Station (07725) 640871 J[email protected].uk
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, SE and London (07785) 296252 [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours contact the RNLI duty press officer on (01202) 336789
RNLI online: For more information on the RNLI please visit http://www.rnli.org/. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre.
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.