First lifeboat back in St Helier

Monday 04 December 2017

The first of St Helier's two lifeboats will be back in service today, following the recent dispute between the RNLI and the former crew.

The David Page is an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, and will be crewed by existing RNLI volunteers, and firefighters.

The RNLI says they have been training for a week, but all have previous lifeboat experience in Jersey. It's not yet been confirmed when the all-weather lifeboat will be back. 

A statement released this morning by the RNLI says the the David Page will be on call around-the-clock and, "...is the first step in returning the St Helier RNLI service to its previous level of cover for the area which will complement the current service at St Catherine."

The David Page originally came into service in January 2007, and is a B class lifeboat, which is the RNLI’s fastest coastal lifeboat with a top speed of 35 knots. It is crewed by three or four volunteers and is ideal for rescues close to shore or cliffs, as well as being able to handle fairly challenging open sea conditions. The Atlantic 85 can operate in a force seven in daylight, in force six at night and can rescue up to 20 people at a time.

Pictured: Two of the St Helier RNLI branch's lifeboats in the harbour before they were taken away.

Liam Krige, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager, said: "We know that residents of Jersey want to see a fully restored lifesaving service around their coast

"We are grateful to those who have offered their support to help make this happen. The next step will be to welcome the all-weather lifeboat back to the island and we are working hard so this can take place as soon as possible."

Meanwhile the Jersey Independent Lifeboat Committee says it is still going ahead with plans to launch its own service. There's a third public meeting to discuss the multi-million pound project at St Peter's Community Centre at 20:00 tomorrow evening. 

Over the weekend, Jersey Harbours staff also replaced the damaged Raudière buoy, which was hit by a yacht on the day the RNLI stood down the former St Helier lifeboat crew. The £1.7m yacht sank and is still to be recovered. 

Lead photo: RNLI Jersey