THIEVES have been accused of putting lives at risk by stealing a vital piece of equipment from a New Forest lifeboat team.

Solent Rescue says crewmen could take 45 minutes - three times longer than normal - to reach an injured or drowning sailor following the theft of an outboard engine.

Burglars broke into the charity's boathouse at Lepe and removed the £2,000 Yamaha engine from the back of a tender.

The craft takes people out to the main lifeboat, which is moored 40 metres off shore to prevent it running aground at low tide.

Now the volunteer lifesavers will be forced to wade out to the boat, adding 15 minutes to their response time.

The delay will be twice as long in rough weather, when the vessel has to be brought inshore using a tractor and trailer before the crew can climb on board.

Senior coxswain Ian Blomquist said: "The thieves have put lives at risk.

"Response times are crucial, especially when you're dealing with a head injury or someone overboard, and the theft of the engine could result in us taking 45 minutes to reach a casualty instead of 15.

"Any hold-up in getting to the scene of an emergency is potentially dangerous."

The crew might attempt to reduce the delay by mooring the lifeboat nearer the beach, but that could cause permanent damage to the propeller. Another option - spending more time on patrol - would result in bigger fuel bills.

Mr Blomquist added: "I was furious when I discovered the theft. People can be so selfish."

Solent Rescue, which is based at Lepe Country Park, operates between Cowes and Hurst Spit and carries out about 50 rescues a year.

However, crew member Kirsty Richardson said the theft of the engine could delay the beginning of the group's 2005 rescue season.

She said: "We're due to start on Good Friday but it could take longer than that to replace the engine. The insurance money might not come through for three or four weeks."

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman said: "There are up to four rescue boats in that particular area as well as the coastguard search and rescue helicopter. We will still be able to respond quickly and efficiently to any emergency."