Jersey Ski Boat in 2nd incident

Tuesday 16th September 2014

The St Peter Port lifeboat was called into service twice more this evening. The first was for the medivac of a patient from Herm to Guernsey at 16:50 and the second to search for a broken down ski-boat between Guernsey and Jersey.

The 5.5 metre jersey registered ski-boat was found by the Daniel L Gibson at 18:37 and established a tow. The lifeboat then proceeded towards Jersey where the St Helier Lifeboat took over the tow and proceeded to Jersey with the two crew members on board.

The Daniel L Gibson left the scene at 19:07 and was back on station at 20:05.

NB: This was the second incident involving this vessel after it had to be rescued off the East coast of Sark on Friday evening

40ft Fairline 5 miles East North East of Platte Fougere

The St Peter Port Lifeboat was called out at 18:25 on Friday 12th September to go to the aid of a twin engine 40 foot Fairline which was approximately 5 miles East North East of Platte Fougere. The vessel had suffered failure of one engine and was experiencing difficulties with steering.

The Daniel L Gibson was alongside the casualty at 18:58 where it established a tow and was safely back in St Peter Port at 19:45.

“Daniel L. Gibson” called to assist 5.5m Jersey, Ski-boat

On Friday 12th September at 1952, a call was received by Guernsey Coastguard from the Sark Harbour Master’s rib that they were out searching for a Jersey registered 5.5m Ski boat that had contacted the Sark Authorities stating they had broken down just east of Sark. The vessel the Sark crew were looking for had set off from Jersey at 1300. The Jersey vessel had no flares, no radio, and no navigation equipment and was unable to confirm their position. The only method of communication was by mobile phone.

The Ski-boat was eventually locate out by the Blanchard Buoy, located two miles East of Sark. The Harbour Maste’s Rib attempted to tow the vessel to the safety of Sark but due to the very strong currents and weather conditions was unable to proceed.

In this deteriorating situation – the decision was made to send the Lifeboat, to assist the vessels.

2034 Lifeboat Red
2052 Lifeboat pierheads proceeding to the casualty.
2125 Lifeboat on scene, a tow was being established.
2134 Lifeboat returning to St Peter Port, two casualties on board, Ski-vessel under tow.
2210 Lifeboat arrives at the pierheads.
2245 Lifeboat refuelled and back on station

“Daniel L. Gibson” called to assist “MSC Opera” (Medevac)

Saturday 30th August 2014

A request was received by Guernsey Coastguard from the Cruise Ship MSC “Opera” that she had a severely ill passenger that required transferring to the local Hospital, once the vessel had anchored in the Little Russell, just off St Peter Port. Unfortunately the “Flying Christine lll” remains off service so the Lifeboat was tasked to carry out the Medevac taking two St Johns Ambulance Paramedics with them.

“Daniel L. Gibson” called to assist French 7m Merryfisher “Thiody”

Friday 29th August 2014

2035 A call was received by Guernsey Coastguard from the Crossma that a small French cruiser was unable to proceed. The French vessel was disabled, with a rope around the propeller, 5 miles south of St Martins Point. As no other vessels were in the area, Relief Lifeboat “Daniel L Gibson “was tasked to assist and tow the vessel back to St Peter Port.

2041 Lifeboat Yellow

2100 Lifeboat pier heads outbound.

2120 Lifeboat on scene, establishing a tow.

2224 Lifeboat back in St Peter Port, with the French vessel in tow. St John and Ambulance and Rescue in attendance to check over the three French Sailors. The vessels propeller will be cleared in the morning.

“Daniel L. Gibson” called to assist “Gina Louise” GU110

Sunday 24th August 2014

0155 A call was received by Guernsey Coastguard from the local fishing boat “Gina Louise” that she had suffered a hydraulic failure and was unable to proceed. The fishing vessel was fishing just outside St Peter Port on the Great Bank. As no other vessels were in the area, Relief Lifeboat “Daniel L Gibson “was tasked to assist and tow the vessel back to St Peter Port.

0155 Lifeboat Yellow

0220 Lifeboat pier heads outbound.

0230 Lifeboat on scene, establishing a tow.