At 13:03 on Thursday 30th September 2021, a mayday call was received via VHF from a 19ft motorboat with 1 person on board who had encountered engine failure and was rapidly drifting towards Gate Rock in the Percee Passage. The wind on scene was South Westerly F6 and the sea state was Moderate to Rough. The casualty was able to drop anchor to prevent drifting further up the rocks.

The St Peter Port Lifeboat “Spirit of Guernsey” was launched on service, arriving on scene at 13:24. The Guernsey Ports Harbour Rib, Herm Seahorse and Isle of Herm ferry also responded to the Mayday, who were ready to offer assistance if required.

Due to the falling tide and location of the causality, the Lifeboat crew launched their “Y Boat” which was able to access the shallowing water where the stranded vessel was located and connect a tow line in order to safely recover the casualty to safe water. The Lifeboat then towed the vessel back to St Peter Port arriving back on station at 14:05. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the incident was resolved promptly and effectively.

Kieran Higgs – SAR Mission Coordinator
photos by Tony Rive