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Mudeford RNLI launches during sea shanty fundraiser
Volunteer lifeboat crew from Mudeford RNLI were tasked to two separate incidents on the evening of Saturday 27 June, while a sea shanty fundraising concert featuring the Wareham Whalers was taking place near the station.
On a warm summer evening crowds had gathered outside the Haven House Inn for the concert which was being held to raise funds for the lifeboat station. At 7.17pm, the crew were requested to launch to reports of a father and son in difficulty on inflatables in the sea off Boscombe beach.
The Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched at 7.27pm and was enroute when HM Coastguard confirmed that the casualties had managed to make their way safely back to shore, and the lifeboat was stood down.
At 7.40pm as the volunteer crew were returning to station, they were re-tasked to a vessel issuing a Pan Pan distress call after suffering engine failure.
The lifeboat proceeded to the casualty vessel, assessed the situation, and, due to the conditions and location, made the decision to establish a tow. The vessel was then safely towed back to Christchurch Harbour and the crew returned to station.
Mudeford RNLI volunteer Helm, Liam Sexton, said
“Inflatables can be great fun, but they are not designed for use in offshore winds or open water. They can quickly be swept out to sea, even on what seems like a calm day. We would always advise people to avoid using inflatables on open water.”
Mudeford RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Tim Hewett, said, “We are glad everyone was recovered safe and well. We would also like to thank the Wareham Whalers and everyone who attended the sea shanty concert in support of Mudeford Lifeboat Station. As a charity we depend on the goodwill and generosity of the public. Nearly £1500 was raised which enables us to invest in the equipment and training we need to continue saving lives at sea.’
The Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, has launched 34 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/safety
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Robert King, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Mudeford [email protected], 07810 637471
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.