Fishermen airlifted to safety after incident on Hayling Island

Amid powerful south-westerly winds yesterday afternoon, two recreational fishermen were left stranded after their motorboat suffered an engine failure, before getting stuck in the mud as the tide went out off Hayling Island.

Solent Coastguard called the Hayling Island Lifeboat Station into action, but the men were unable to get across the mud to the lifeboat.

The fishermen had then suggested staying on board their vessel overnight – but temperatures were plummeting and they had little shelter.

A rescue helicopter was called to airlift the men back to dry land, where they were checked over and allowed to return home.

Since the incident, lifeboat crews have been thanked by the fishermen for coming to their aid.

In an email, one of the men said: ‘Thank you for your team’s sensational response last night.

‘We are so appreciative and grateful.’

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