"Lucky to be alive" - Jersey yacht washed up in Alderney

Tuesday 25 April 2023

A Jersey sailor had a lucky escape after his motor yacht was washed onto rocks in Alderney, after he ran out of fuel while trying to sail home.

Named 'The White Pirate', the yacht had drifted all night in the fast tidal currents between France and Alderney, before ending up on a rock ledge underneath Alderney's Fort Corblets in the early hours of Monday.

Teams from the Harbour Office, the RNLI, Border Agency and Alderney Police effected the rescue of the owner if the 'White Pirate, and secured his boat White Pirate. 

It was subsequently removed by Mainbrayce marine engineers. 

Pictured: The 'White Pirate' being lifted by Mainbrayce marine engineers. 

Mike Fitton, of Mainbrayce, who supervised the salvage and recovery, said there had been some damage to the keel.

He added that the owner, who had "wandered off after collecting a pair of shoes", was lucky to be alive because he could have ended up in a dozen worse spots where the boat could have been pounded by the waves without anyone being able to help.