Brian Green Tribute

A tribute to Brian Green who passed away on Saturday 9th January 2016. An amazing photographer, a great St Peter Port lifeboat supporter and a gentleman.

Brian Green was a lifeboat enthusiast and as a photographer spent a great deal of his own time at sea on exercise with the crew. He brought his professional expertise to use in capturing the images of life on board and this proved invaluable to the local and national service.

He was held in great respect by all, and especially by the crew members stationed at St Peter Port.

A modest man, not easily drawn into conversation about his own exploits but a very knowledgeable person, his calm attitude always came to the fore when faced with a challenging situation. It was never a surprise that when crew members were winched off the lifeboat they found Brian already onboard the helicopter taking photographs. He took pleasure in finding archive images for exhibitions and publicity, devoting a great deal of time.

The first photo was taken on 9th May 2005. Brian was taking a photo with many former Harbourmasters and John Webster suggested he would take a photo with Brian in it. A rare event for Brian to be that side of the lens.Harbourmaster

The 2nd photo is an iconic photo that Brian was very proud of. It was the most popular and award winning photo of the Sir William Arnold and was even on the front cover of the telephone directory.

The 3rd photo is Brian’s last RNLI event at Government House in November where he took the official photos including this group photo of the award winners.

Picture: Brian Green - November 10, 2015 - RNLI Presentations at Government House

Picture: Brian Green – November 10, 2015 – RNLI Presentations at Government House

 

Suspected missing person at Cobo found safe ashore

The St Peter Port lifeboat was called out on Tuesday 22nd December 2015 to assist with a search for a missing person at Cobo.

The St Peter Port lifeboat, Channel Island Air Search, St John Ambulance Inshore rescue boats, Civil Protection Volunteers and  Police officers were dispatched in the search.

The woman was found safe and well within half an hour and the lifeboat returned to St Peter Port.

Tony Rive took some great photos of the St Peter Port lifeboat leaving the harbour and later returning to port. The photos were viewed by over 8,000 people on Facebook with over 100 likes and 46 shares.

Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey leaving St Peter Port on a shout to the West coast 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (1) Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey leaving St Peter Port on a shout to the West coast 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (2) Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey leaving St Peter Port on a shout to the West coast 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (3) Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey leaving St Peter Port on a shout to the West coast 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (4) Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey leaving St Peter Port on a shout to the West coast 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (5) Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey leaving St Peter Port on a shout to the West coast 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (6) Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey leaving St Peter Port on a shout to the West coast 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (7) Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey leaving St Peter Port on a shout to the West coast 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (8) Spirit of Guernsey returning to St Peter Port after being stood down from a search 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (1) Spirit of Guernsey returning to St Peter Port after being stood down from a search 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (2) Spirit of Guernsey returning to St Peter Port after being stood down from a search 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (3) Spirit of Guernsey returning to St Peter Port after being stood down from a search 22-12-15 Pic by Tony Rive (5)

 

Great support from GYC Motor section

More than £2,000 has been donated to the St Peter Port lifeboat and Channel Island Air Search by the motor section of the Guernsey Yacht Club.

GYCMotorFundRaising2

 

The money was raised by members at the end of year laying up dinner through a raffle. Prizes included a week for four in a Paris apartment donated by Duncan Spence and prizes donated by Stocks Hotel, St Helier Marinas and Marine and General.

The photo includes the 2015 Guernsey Motor Committee who were Damon Hackley, (Rear Commodore Motor), Colin Le Conte, Claire Barrett, David Corson and Robert Dodsworth.

Bonita – 34 years ago – Gold Medal rescue

On Sunday 13 December 1981, the cargo ship Bonita hit a hurricane in the English Channel. It was the beginning of a week of courage and loss that will always be remembered by the RNLI. This film features interviews with the Guernsey lifeboat volunteers who went to the aid of the crew of the Bonita – and the ship’s Chief Engineer. An amazing 17min video.

Also – It’s quite rare to have such an authoritative and objective assessment made by one of those rescued.

Here is the report by John Aicher, of the ‘Bonita’ Gold Medal rescue of 13 December 1981. John has visited the Island several times since the event to meet and thank the crew. At the time he was Chief Engineer of Bonita and went on to become Assistant Director of the Norwegian Maritime Directorate.

Warning – it does contain quite graphic detail so don’t read it if you are squeamish!

REPORT ON THE CAPSIZE OF M-V BONITA

 

“Spirit of Guernsey” responded to a Mayday Call from “ Defiance ”, a locally registered Fishing Vessel

0212 A Mayday Call was received by Guernsey Coastguard from “Defiance” that she was taking on water and required immediate assistance. The vessel was in a position 1.5 mls. South East of St Peter Port Harbour, engaged in trawling. 3 crew on –board.  WX:– NNW 15-20 knts. Moderate sea + swell

0213 Lifeboat Red ”Spirit of Guernsey” was called to go to the vessels assistance.

0216 A call was received from the skipper of “Defiance” informing Guernsey Coastguard that the Mayday call was a false alarm as the problem on board had been resolved, that the vessel was being pumped out, and that everything was under control.

0218 A decision was made by the Duty SAR Coordinator that the Lifeboat would proceed to escort the vessel into Port to ensure that the vessel was actually in a stable condition and that everyone was safe..

0238 St Peter Port Lifeboat Pierheads heading towards “Defiance” and escorting vessel back into St Peter Port.

0241 Both vessels safely  back in St Peter Port.  Duty Harbour Master will speak with the skipper of “Defiance” to understand how this Mayday call was allowed to be made, and review procedures on the fishing vessel as this is the third call this year form “Defiance” needing assistance from the Rescue Services.

Midnight Star

The St Peter Port Lifeboat was launched during the evening of Sunday 22nd November, 2015 at 17:21 to go to the assistance of a 24’ cabin cruiser with two persons on board.  The Midnight Star had broken down West of Herm harbour.  As no vessels able to assist were in the area, the Spirit of Guernsey was tasked to assist.

The lifeboat was alongside the casualty at 17:42, and arrived back with the Morning Star in tow at 18:00.

The Spirit of Guernsey was back on station at 18:07.