Lymington Lifeboat returns two young men stuck on marshes safely to shore
Lymington RNLI was paged on Wednesday 13 May just before 8pm following reports of two young boys who had drifted offshore in a very small rowing boat.
The boys had become stranded on the Keyhaven Marshes with no means of propulsion and, crucially, were not wearing lifejackets. Upon arrival, the volunteer crew faced challenging conditions as they attempted to reach the casualties; after two failed attempts at getting a line to the small craft due to the shallow, tidal environment, the decision was made for crew member Ted Ward to enter the water.
Crewman Ted waded through the thick marshy mud to make direct contact with the boys, who were found to be freezing cold and distressed. Once secured, they were transferred to the lifeboat for immediate casualty care and warmth before being taken to safety and reunited with their families.
Helm Rob Merrix commented ‘This incident highlights the vital importance of carrying a means of communication and always wearing a lifejacket, as offshore winds and falling temperatures can turn a quick row into a life-threatening situation in minutes.’
If you see someone in trouble at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Crew: Rob Merrix, Ed Wallrock, Jo Styles, Ted Ward.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Joanna Styles, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI East, [email protected]
Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for SE & London (07724) 801305 hatti_mellor@rnli.org.uk
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.