Busy Weekend for Lymington RNLI Volunteers with Two Callouts

The first launch came at 1.42pm on Saturday, 13 June, after a 10-metre yacht with two people on board ran aground on the Shingles Bank, a well-known gravel bank west of the Solent.

Lymington’s lifeboat launched with volunteer crew members Rob, Jo, Asher and Piers and quickly arrived on scene. Following an assessment, the crew confirmed that both occupants were safe and well.

With the yacht firmly aground and low water approaching, the lifeboat remained on scene to monitor the vessel and provide assistance if required. As the tide began to rise, the yacht remained stranded for around two hours before enough water returned to allow it to refloat safely.

A crew change took place during the service, with Dave taking over as helm. The second crew consisted of Dave, Jake, Asher and Piers.

Once the yacht was afloat, checks were carried out to ensure there was no water ingress or visible damage. Satisfied that the vessel remained seaworthy, the lifeboat escorted the yacht through Hurst Narrows as a precaution before standing down. The yacht then continued its journey back to Hamble, while the lifeboat returned to station after approximately three hours on service and was made ready for its next launch.

Less than 24 hours later, at 1.07pm on Sunday, volunteer crews were paged again after Solent Coastguard received reports of two kayakers apparently struggling against the strong ebb tide in Hurst Narrows. The alarm was raised by a nearby anchored yacht, whose crew acted correctly in reporting their concerns.

Lymington’s Inshore Lifeboat launched with volunteer crew members Rob, Simon Nuding, Piers and Asher. On arrival, the crew met a passing RIB that had already located the kayakers. It was quickly established that the pair were safe, well and simply enjoying the challenging conditions and playing in the waves.

After confirming that no assistance was required, the lifeboat returned to station.

Although the second incident proved to be a false alarm with good intent, Lymington RNLI praised the actions of the first informant.

Rob Merrix (Helm) said: “From a distance, the powerful tides and conditions in Hurst Narrows can easily make a situation appear more serious than it is. We’d always encourage people to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they think someone may be in difficulty at sea. We’d much rather investigate a situation and find everyone safe than have someone hesitate to make the call.”

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Suzanne Brown, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, suzanne[email protected]

Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 488243, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [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

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