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A motorboat that was left precariously balancing on rocks after a collision on Friday has been safely recovered.
The boat, called Oriana, grounded yesterday morning and RNLI lifeboats from St. Catherine and St. Helier sped to the scene.
The RNLI reported on Saturday: ‘Both RNLI Jersey Lifeboat stations were involved in the recovery of a motor cruiser and her crew following a collision with rocks at the Ecrehous yesterday.
“Shortly after 11 am, the St. Catherine's inshore lifeboat was tasked with an initial assessment following reports of a grounded motor boat at the Ecréhous reef. While the boat was in a precarious position, it was not in immediate danger as it was clear of the water on a falling spring tide.
“The casualty boat's crew had already been transferred to the main island by Seafaris who were on scene as part of a scheduled tour of the reef.
“The crew were reporting minor injuries from the impact and the St. Catherine's crew performed casualty assessments. Liaising with Jersey Coastguard, it was decided to transfer them back to Jersey using the RNLI Jersey all-weather lifeboat which was then launched from St Helier. The casualty boat crew were then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat using the Seafaris RIB, which has a ladder to make shore-to-boat transfers easier.
”The St. Catherine's crew returned to station but were later also tasked to stand by during the salvage operation when the stricken motorboat refloated on the rising tide. The inshore lifeboat then accompanied the casualty vessel back to Gorey where she was hoisted out of the water for a full assessment and repairs.
“The St. Catherine's crew then recovered and prepared the lifeboat for her next service, which was the conclusion of almost 12 hours of service.“
Pictures of the unusual scene, were quick to circulate on social media on Friday.
Pictured: Hull of a situation.
One islander posted it on ‘Jersey Parking Fails’, attracting comments ranging from parking praise such as “better parking than most drivers over here” and “not blocking anyone in” to questions like, “You reckon he ran out of pay cards?”
Others showed more concern for the seafarers’ welfare.
Among them was Yvonne Pascoe, who spotted the rock-stopped ship during a Seafaris trip today and shared an encouraging update with Express.
Pictured: Hull it over...
“We were told that the people on the boat were all safe and I believe taken off the boat by the Seafaris’ owner, Rich, earlier in the day. All praise to Seafaris for rescuing them,” she said.
She added that she was “so pleased” everyone was safe, adding: “It looked like it could [have] been really scary for the people involved especially seeing it at low water.”
It wasn’t the only striking sight she saw today – the Seafaris rib she was on was joined by some dolphin visitors in the Gorey area.
Video: Dolphins joined the Seafaris rib as it passed Gorey.
Express has contacted Seafaris and is awaiting a reply.
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