Night rescue for Mudeford RNLI
On 2 May 2024, at 1.03am, the volunteer Mudeford RNLI crew were tasked to a 24-foot yacht off Hengistbury Head reported to have mechanical difficulties.
Responding swiftly to the distress call, the Mudeford Servant Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched at 1:13 am and was on scene at 1:25 am. With weather conditions fair the casualty vessel was located a quarter mile off Hengistbury Head. The crew established the sole casualty on board was safe and well, but the stranded yacht had engine failure.
The Mudeford RNLI crew secured the casualty vessel and towed it to Mudeford Quay. where the yacht was safely moored for the night. The lifeboat and crew returned to station at 2:55 am.
Mudeford RNLI volunteer Launch Authority, Graeme Staddon, said, ‘We are always ready to respond to anyone in difficulty on the water day and night. The casualty’s timely decision to raise the alarm was the right one and as a result we were able to reach him quickly and bring him to safety.’
The Mudeford Servant Atlantic 85 lifeboat has launched 22 times this year so far and launched 85 times in 2023.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 142,700 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.