A coordinated cross-Channel rescue effort involving Guernsey, Jersey and French emergency services brought a stricken yacht safely into St Peter Port this morning, after hours of concern when contact with the vessel was lost at sea.
The vessel was escorted into St Peter Port harbour at 08:25 this morning after having issued a distress call in the early hours of this morning.
The Dutch yacht en route to Brest signalled for help at 04:40 after suffering a complete power failure which rendered it unable to sail.
The distress call was initially picked up by CROSS Jobourg, the French Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), which established there were three people onboard and transferred communication to Guernsey Coastguard.
However, communication with the vessel was lost at 05:40, leading the Guernsey Coastguard, Jersey Coastguard, CROSS Jobourg, and other vessels in the vicinity to collaborate to attempt to re-establish communication, without success.
As concern grew for the safety of those on board, the St Peter Port lifeboat was paged at 06:14 and launched at 06:32, with the Channel Islands Air Search placed on standby.
The lifeboat located the casualty vessel at 07:08 and managed to establish direct communication with the yacht’s crew.
The vessel was then brought into St Peter Port harbour at 08:25 and handed over to marina staff.
This was an excellent example of multi-agency cooperation
Duty SAR Mission Coordinator Simon Granger
Duty SAR Mission Coordinator Simon Granger praised all of those involved in the rescue effort.
“Three people were onboard and were escorted to safety quickly thanks to the prompt response from the St Peter Port Lifeboat, working alongside Guernsey and Jersey Coastguard in conjunction with CROSS Jobourg,” he said.
“Channel Islands Air Search stood by ready to assist if required. This was an excellent example of multi-agency cooperation ensuring the safety of those in distress.”