The Alderney Coastguard received an ‘unclear VHF’ message at 09:00 from the RIB, located 9.5 miles north-east of the island.
Alderney liaised with Guernsey and Jersey Coastguards to ascertain whether they had received the transmission. Jersey confirmed that the lone skipper had reported he was having a heart attack, minutes later a digital distress alert was broadcast by the skipper confirming his position.
The Alderney RNLI all weather Lifeboat, Roy Barker I was launched at 09.21 along with the Channel Islands Air Search and a French Rescue Helicopter.
Deputy Second Coxswain, Mark Gaudion said: “The casualty was winched from the RIB by the Helicopter just minutes before we arrived on scene and was transferred to Cherbourg for medical treatment. Two crew members were transferred across to the RIB and returned it to Braye Harbour along with the lifeboat.”
Pictured: RIB bound for Alderney – photo by Jack Bingham.