Dawn rescue for Mudeford RNLI after jet ski breaks down off Hengistbury Head

The two casualties were able to alert HM Coastguard before their mobile phone battery failed. With communications lost, HM Coastguard broadcast a Pan-Pan message, requesting assistance from vessels in the area. However, because of the early hour, there were no nearby vessels able to respond, and Mudeford RNLI's volunteer crew were paged.

The crew were alerted at 5.42am and the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Henrietta H launched at 5.56am, arriving on scene at 6.06am. By the time the lifeboat reached the casualties, the combination of an offshore wind and the ebbing tide had carried the disabled jet ski around two miles from Hengistbury Head.

The crew established that the jet ski had suffered engine failure and was unable to return to shore. The two casualties were taken aboard the lifeboat while the disabled craft was placed under tow and safely returned to Mudeford Lifeboat Station.

Once ashore, the casualties were warmed up by the volunteer crew and required no further medical treatment.

The lifeboat was recovered, refuelled and made ready for its next service, returning to operational readiness at 7.24am.

Mudeford RNLI volunteer Helm Andy Read said:

'The two casualties were well prepared for the water with lifejackets but had a problem with their mobile phone. It is always advisable to check your means of communication is working and to have a back-up. If you're operating offshore, consider carrying a handheld VHF radio or a personal locator beacon to make it easier for you to be located if you get into trouble. We are pleased the casualties were recovered safely.'

The RNLI reminds anyone heading afloat to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, ensure their craft is well maintained and carry at least two reliable means of calling for help. A handheld VHF radio or personal locator beacon can prove invaluable if a mobile phone fails or loses signal, particularly when operating offshore.

The Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, has launched 37 times this year so far and 77 times in 2025.

For more information on how to stay safe on the water visit: https://rnli.org.uk/safety

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Robert King, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Mudeford RNLI : [email protected], 07810 673471

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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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.