Both St Helier RNLI lifeboats assist a fishing vessel hard aground
Both the St Helier RNLI lifeboats were tasked to a fishing vessel hard aground at the Minquiers just after 5.20am.
The Tamar-class all-weather lifeboat, George Sullivan, and the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Spirit of St Helier, both launched in sub-zero temperatures. The crews made their way to casualty location and once on scene the crew onboard the all-weather lifeboat deployed the daughter craft, the Y-boat, to assess the fishing vessel in the shallow water with the salvage pump from the inshore lifeboat onboard. The RNLI volunteer crew were able to determine that the vessel wasn't taking on water, so the crew prepared for floating the fishing vessel on the rising tide.
The salvage pump was transferred to the fishing vessel and tow lines were securely fastened. As the tide rose, the inshore lifeboat secured an alongside tow, guiding the fishing vessel to safe waters. The vessel, now afloat, made its way back to St Helier under its own power, accompanied by the St Helier all-weather lifeboat.
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.