When six teenagers fished into the early hours of a Summer morning, they suddenly became caught themselves

The group, aged 14–16, began night fishing from disused oyster beds at the north end of Langstone Harbour, Hampshire, on 26 June. They were still fishing in the early hours of the following morning when the incoming spring tide began to cover the concrete structure where they were based. Realising they were trapped, the teenagers dialled 999 on a mobile phone.

The Coastguard alerted Portsmouth RNLI. Crew Members Justin Strain and James Seed and Helmsman Gareth Davies were woken by their pagers and rushed to the station. The trio launched the D class lifeboat at 2.47am, and their fellow volunteers prepared to launch the B class. Meanwhile, at the oyster beds, the sea began to flow over the walls.

The frightened teenagers tried to climb away from the oncoming waves to a higher position on the concrete structure. Then, as they heard the roar of a lifeboat engine approaching the area, they shone their torches to indicate their position. Arriving at the scene first aboard the D class, Gareth assessed the situation.

It was very dark and the incoming tide was creating a weir effect as the sea cascaded over the lower part of the concrete structure. Gareth spoke over the radio to the Helmsman of the approaching, larger Atlantic 75, Tobi O’Neill, and they agreed that the D class was the more suitable craft to make an approach. Its shallow draught and smaller size makes the inflatable ideal for rescue work near man-made hazards.

Despite the turbulent waters, Gareth managed to bring the D class alongside the concrete structure, just close enough for James and Justin to pull three teenagers aboard. He then headed to the Atlantic 75 lifeboat, which was standing by, and transferred them aboard. Repeating the process was easier said than done in the confused seas, but Gareth used superb boathandling to again get close enough for his crew to reach the three remaining teenagers.

With all six people rescued and unharmed, the two lifeboats headed for Hayling Bridge, where the teenagers were put ashore and handed into the care of a mobile Coastguard unit. By 3.35am, both lifeboats were back at the lifeboat station.

The RNLI’s Operations Director Michael Vlasto wrote a Letter of Appreciation to Portsmouth Lifeboat Station, saying: ‘Gareth, Justin and James are to be thanked on my behalf for their actions during this brief, but very effective service. Gareth’s seamanship was most commendable, and the teamwork displayed shows the spirit of the station. Well done, and thank you!’