'Sacked' coxswain reinstated by RNLI

Wednesday 28 June 2017

St Helier Lifeboat coxswain, Andy Hibbs, has been reinstated by the RNLI following an appeal, over two months after allegedly breaking the charity's code of conduct.

Shortly after his dismissal in April, all 25 members of the crew walked out in support.

Islanders rallied in support behind the coxswain of 25 years with a petition calling for his return gathering over 4,600 signatures and hundreds of Islanders attending peaceful protests at the Lifeboat Station. Longtime supporters suspended their fundraising efforts  with others calling for a RNLI boycott at the Jersey Boat Show.

The RNLI promised a “...fair and comprehensive internal review into the challenge and the processes that led to the decision." Representatives from the charity came to the Island to meet Andy Hibbs in May.

The Fresh Fish Company were the first to break the news this morning, posting a picture of a smiling Andy, holding an apology letter from the RNLI. Vicky Boarder, who runs the Fresh Fish Company and who withdrew her collection tins as the review was taking place, said she was "completely delighted."

Jersey Water Safety, which is run by Annie Noble and her family in memory of her sister Joy Godfray who drowned at Green Island in August last year, also welcomed the news on their Facebook page. Andy Hibbs and his crew went out to sea in treacherous waters to try and rescue Joy.

Annie Noble told Express: "It's brilliant. It's definitely what everyone was hoping for. It is fantastic that Andy will be back at the helm of the boat providing support for the Island. We can't thank Andy enough for what he has done, especially for my family, that's why we fully supported him."

The charity is due to make a formal announcement this afternoon.