Three shouts in one afternoon for Mudeford RNLI
On the afternoon of 13 June, the Mudeford RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked to three separate incidents around the Mudeford and Bournemouth coast.
At 12.24pm the crew were alerted to reports of three persons holding onto a capsized jet ski approximately 60 metres off Mudeford beach. The lifeboat launched at 12.34pm and was on scene within six minutes. The crew established that the casualties had managed to recover the jet ski and make their way safely back into the harbour.
While returning from the first incident, the crew were re-tasked at 1.01pm to a second incident involving a vessel taking on water around half a mile south of Bournemouth Pier. The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1.11pm.
The occupants of the vessel declined to leave their craft, and the lifeboat crew placed a salvage pump onboard and remained on scene to assist. The casualty vessel was subsequently taken under tow by another boat towards Poole Harbour, and was eventually brought to Sandbanks beach, where the crew of the casualty vessel attempted to prevent it from sinking using airbags and other equipment. With multiple vessels and lifeguards now on scene, providing assistance, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station at approximately 3.30pm.
The third call of the day came later in the afternoon to a broken-down jet ski drifting towards Chewton Bunny with two people onboard. The lifeboat launched at 4.43pm and was on scene at 4.47pm. Due to the swell conditions, the decision was made to tow the casualty jet ski, along with its occupants, back to Mudeford Quay.
The lifeboat returned to station and was back on service at 5.45pm.
Mudeford RNLI volunteer Helm Nathan Jauns said, ‘Even in calmer conditions there can be unexpected swell, and all personal watercraft users should be prepared for the possibility of capsizing. We recommend you always wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help, and ensure you are familiar with how to right your craft in the water. Checking weather and sea conditions before heading out and staying within your limits can also help prevent incidents.’
The Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, has launched 27 times this year so far and 77 times in 2025.
For more information on how to stay safe in the water visit Water Safety Advice And Tips - Know The Risks
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Robert King, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.