Alderney RNLI lifeboat launched to assist 23-meter motor vessel.

The relief Trent class lifeboat ‘Henry Heys Duckworth’ was launched at 11.50am and battled strong winds to assist the vessel that was experiencing engine failure and was unable to continue on its course.

The Alderney lifeboat volunteer crew established a tow line to the vessel at 12.25pm and returned to Braye Harbour at 1.45pm, where the casualty vessel was secured alongside the commercial quay to receive repairs.

Declan Gaudion, Coxswain of the Alderney RNLI, said ‘This was the first lifeboat launch this year so far and the boat was taken out by Adam Rose on his second shout as Coxswain. Numbers of shouts have been particularly low since the start of the pandemic. We anticipate that moving forward it may be a particularly busy season as lockdown restrictions are gradually lifted.’

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.