Donate now

Bembridge RNLI Inshore Lifeboat assists in another mud rescue

Lifeboats News Release

RNLB Norman Harvey (Inshore Lifeboat D-778) was launched yesterday evening (Friday 26 May) at 7.23 pm at the request of UK (Solent) Coastguard to assist Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams extract someone stuck in mud between St Helens Old Church & Priory Bay.

Local Coastguards and RNLB Norman Harvey

Island Echo

Local Coastguards and RNLB Norman Harvey

Although there was a F4 NNEasterly breeze and a considerable swell, they reached the area by 7.30 pm and identified 3 young people, one of who was stuck in the same area of mud as previous casualties had been rescued.

Leaving a crew member to keep an eye on the male casualty who was stuck in the mud, they initially transported the other two back to St Helens Old Church where the local Coastguards had established a control point. Subsequently they moved a number of Coastguard Rescue & Fire Service mud technicians to the scene along with their equipment. Once the casualty was released, they then ferried everyone back to the Old Church. On completion the muddy crew made their way back to Lane End and were recovered by 10.00 pm.

Helm James Pink said “This really is a treacherous area and I would urge that walkers stay well clear. By following the RNLI Water Safety advice to stick together, we were obviously delighted that the casualty and his friends were brought to safety successfully.”

RNLI media contacts

Mike Samuelson, Bembridge RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07785 593254 or [email protected]

Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 07785 296252 [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789


Muddy area overlooking Priory Bay

Island Echo

Muddy area overlooking Priory Bay
AIS track of RNLB Norman Harvey

RNLI/Mike Samuelson/Marine Traffic.com

AIS track of RNLB Norman Harvey

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, Twitter 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.