The first call came late on Friday 17 July, when the crew were tasked to a sailing yacht with two people on board that had run aground off Hengistbury Head. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat Henrietta H launched at 11.10pm and was on scene within five minutes.
The crew remained on scene while the yacht was able to self-recover off the beach. Once afloat, the lifeboat went alongside to check on the welfare of those on board. Both occupants were found to be safe and well, requiring no medical assistance. With the yacht safely anchored, the lifeboat returned to station.
The second incident occurred on Saturday 18 July, when the crew launched at 7.13pm to reports of an injured jet skier near Avon Beach. The lifeboat was on scene by 7.16pm, where the Coastguard had requested assistance while paramedics were en route.
Three crew members disembarked and went ashore to assist the casualty, a female who had been thrown from the jet ski. She was experiencing difficulty breathing, with suspected fractured ribs. The crew administered casualty care and worked to keep her as comfortable as possible until a paramedic arrived on scene. The casualty was then transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital for further treatment. The crew subsequently returned to station.
Mudeford RNLI volunteer Helm Andy Read said, 'These incidents highlight how quickly situations can develop on the water, even in good conditions. We would always urge anyone heading afloat to carry appropriate safety equipment, let someone know your plans, and ensure you have a reliable means of calling for help. For those using personal watercraft, wearing suitable protective gear and staying within your limits can make a real difference.'
So far this year, Mudeford RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Henrietta H has launched 48 times, following a total of 77 launches during 2025.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Robert King, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Mudeford RNLI, [email protected], 07810 637471
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]
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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