Two people have been rescued after ending up in the water at Langstone Lake on Sunday evening, prompting a swift emergency response from the RNLI and Solent Coastguard.

At 8:51pm, Arthur Hamilton (D-774) lifeboat was launched following an urgent request from Solent Coastguard after reports of “persons in the water. This marks the 6th service callout for Portsmouth RNLI in 2025.

Swift Response Prevents Tragedy

The lifeboat crew arrived quickly at the scene, where the two individuals had managed to make their way to a moored boat, but were found soaked and suffering from cold exposure.

They were promptly transferred onto the lifeboat and returned to Portsmouth Lifeboat Station, where they were met by the Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Team and an ambulance crew for further medical assessment and ongoing care.

Lifeboat Crew Praised for Fast Action

Following the successful rescue and handover, the crew debriefed while shore crew prepared the boat for readiness ahead of the next emergency callout.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which relies entirely on charitable donations, praised the efforts of its dedicated volunteers, crediting their rapid response and teamwork with ensuring a safe outcome.

“The RNLI is the charity which saves lives at sea and is 100% funded by your donations. Our volunteers can only do this thanks to your continued support, and that of their family, friends and employers.”

Safety Reminder to the Public

The incident serves as a strong reminder to the public about water safety. The RNLI advises that anyone who sees someone in difficulty near or on the water should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately.

The quick thinking of those involved and the professional response from emergency services ensured that a potentially tragic situation was averted.