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Jersey Coastguard said they were "in awe" of the RNLI St. Catherine’s Lifeboat crew for their efforts to save a man on a sinking boat who had to signal for help using the torch on his phone.
A large search and rescue operation was launched after a French vessel started taking on water at the Ecréhous leaving a man stranded in the water in "rough conditions".
The RNLI St. Catherine’s Lifeboat located the man – who was "suffering the effects of cold water immersion" – seven miles off-shore, less than 45 minutes after the mayday call.
Jersey Coastguard helped coordinate the search and rescue operation, which also involved the Channel Island Air Search, RNLI St. Helier all-weather lifeboat, RNLI St. Catherine’s lifeboat, two French helicopters and one French lifeboat.
"The brave men and women who volunteer to head out to sea at night in rough conditions humble us with their bravery," Jersey Coastguard said.
Robin Fitzgerald, Helm of the St. Catherine's lifeboat, added: "We are thankful that the individual was wearing a life jacket and had a mobile phone with a torch, which helped us locate him.
"This is a reminder of the importance of always wearing a life jacket and having proper communication equipment when out on the water."
After being rescued, the man was transferred to the French lifeboat and taken back to France for medical assistance.
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