Mass 'resignation' of St Helier Lifeboat crew

Friday 07 April 2017

All 25 members of Jersey’s St Helier Lifeboat crew, along with five members of the administration and management team, have tendered their resignations.

Crew members say they’ve taken the unprecedented action because of a dispute between the national organisation and the sacking of the local coxswain, Andy Hibbs.

Mr Hibbs was dismissed from his post yesterday after a disciplinary hearing. He says he's done nothing wrong and says he'll be appealing against the decision. He has five days to get his appeal in.

Crew were so angered by the way he was treated they felt they had no option but to quit. One member said: "The national organisation has totally underestimated the resolve of the crew, and the high esteem they have for the coxswain."

The action means the St Helier boat is off service. It's possible the national RNLI may have to fly in a crew to provide emergency cover.

In a statement the RNLI says: "Due to breaches of the RNLI’s Volunteer Code of Conduct, the RNLI has asked one volunteer at St Helier lifeboat station to stand down with immediate effect. Other volunteers have chosen to step down, which has forced the RNLI to declare the St Helier lifeboats off service temporarily.

"The RNLI has a duty of care to our volunteers and those we rescue, and must provide a safe and effective lifesaving service. We understand the impact of standing down volunteers and we do not take such decisions lightly.

"We are working hard to bring in extra support and put the St Helier all-weather lifeboat back on service in the next couple of days.

"In the meantime, we are working with our colleagues across the emergency services to provide an effective maritime rescue service.

"Out of respect to all those involved in this confidential process we cannot go into more detail."

The actions of the national RNLI has angered many former crew members. Paul Battrick says: "Today is a very sad day with what is going on with the St Helier Lifeboat and as a ex crew member who served for thirteen years and brought Andy Hibbs onto the crew . On Sunday 9th at 10-00am we will hold a silent gathering outside the station to show support for the crew and thank them and hopefully get the RNLI to see sense."