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First shout of 2025 as Portsmouth RNLI volunteers respond to mayday

Lifeboats News Release

This weekend saw the first service of 2025 for the volunteers of RNLI Portsmouth lifeboat station in response to a mayday call over the radio. Reports were received of a vessel in distress near Port Solent with 4 persons on board at 1.59pm on 4 January.

RNLI/Dave Spencer

Following the mayday call from a broken down boat near Ports Solent, reported with 1 adult and 3 children on board , the crew of RNLI Portsmouth were paged to immediately launch our Atlantic 85, Norma T (B-845) to offer assistance.

Solent Coastguard requested the launch with the crew paged 1.59pm, The boat was on the water and underway at 2.14pm.

The crew made their way through very rough cold seas and strong winds. With the cooperation of the Kings Harbour Master (KHM) made their way through Portsmouth Harbour at speed towards Port Solent where the boat was last reported.

On arrival to scene the vessel was soon located, and once establishing all on board were safe and well, they confirmed they had been able to restart its engines. In light of the cold and rough conditions ‘Norma T’ escorted the vessel safely back into Port Solent Marina.

Neil Maxwell, RNLI Helm of the Atlantic 85 Norma T, said: 'At this time of the year venturing out in sever weather conditions needs careful consideration and planning, including the question do I actually need to do this?

'Being prepared is absolutely key in case of mishaps, right clothing and the right communication devices will give you the best possible chance of survival and rescue should the unexpected happen.'

On return to the station at 3.09pm the boat was recovered, washed down and prepared to go back on pagers ready for the next call out.

RNLI/Dave Spencer

RNLI/Dave Spencer

RNLI/Dave Spencer

RNLI/Dave Spencer

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.

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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.

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