Eleven Rescued After River Stour Boats Capsize – Nine Teens Among Them
Drama unfolded on the River Stour this morning when two rowing boats and a safety boat capsized in rough conditions, leaving eleven people stranded – nine of them teenagers. The emergency response kicked off just after 11am, following multiple 999 calls reporting people struggling near Iford Bridge.
Massive Rescue Operation Mounted
Witnesses reported casualties clinging to trees, holding onto upturned boats, or struggling in the water. A huge multi-agency effort swung into action, including:
- Lymington and Southbourne Coastguard Rescue Teams
- HM Coastguard Area Commander and Search and Rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent
- Mudeford RNLI inshore lifeboat
- Dorset Fire and Rescue Service
- Dorset Police and South Central HART
- Dorset Air Ambulance
- South Central and South Western Ambulance Services
The National Maritime Operations Centre coordinated the complex operation to bring everyone to safety.
All Rescued, Ten Rushed to Hospital
All eleven casualties were pulled from the water, ten needing urgent hospital treatment. The HM Coastguard helicopter deployed a FLIR thermal camera, scouring the area thoroughly for any stragglers before being stood down at 12.30pm.
Coastguard teams remained on site providing vital safety advice to prevent further incidents.
This morning’s terrifying capsizing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by challenging river conditions – especially for vulnerable young boaters.
