Funds bequeathed by supporter buy new lifeboat for Mudeford RNLI

IT was a “bittersweet” moment for Mudeford RNLI rescuers as their lifeboat of nearly two decades was replaced.

The crew recently marked the final sailing of Mudeford Servant, which had been in service since 2006, and welcomed new Atlantic 85 vessel Henrietta H, bought with funds bequeathed by a supporter.

Over its 18 years, the outgoing lifeboat had launched more than 2,500 times, including to over 1,000 shouts to those in difficulty on the water.

Volunteer helm Ian Parker said: “Our Atlantic 85 lifeboat Mudeford Servant has helped us to save many lives over the past 18 years while keeping our crew safe in some severe conditions on occasions.

“It was sad to see her go, but we have received a fantastic new boat to carry on saving lives at sea.”

Calling the changeover “bittersweet”, lifeboat operations manager Steve Doe expressed the crew’s gratitude to late benefactor Dorothy Hunter.

The Portsmouth resident, who died in April 2016, had left her entire residuary estate to the RNLI.

“Dorothy and her late husband Derek built and sailed their own boats, always naming them Henrietta H,” Mr Doe said.

“We are very grateful to Dorothy for her generous donation which enables us to keep saving lives at sea.”

An official naming ceremony will be held at Mudeford lifeboat station in 2025.