Could Jersey get a French lifeboat?

Friday 28 April 2017

There are calls for Jersey to work with France on setting up an independent lifeboat station, if the current dispute between the RNLI and the St Helier lifeboat crew isn't resolved.

Paul Battrick, a former member of the Jersey crew, has raising the possibility after voicing concerns about the ongoing RNLI disciplinary process involving cox Andy Hibbs. Mr Hibbs has appealed against his dismissal as an RNLI volunteer, but it's not yet been made clear what caused the original problem. The entire St Helier crew subsequently resigned in protest.

Mr Battrick, who has been very vocal in his support for the Jersey lifeboat crew, told Express: "The French have a wonderful lifeboat service, why don't we try and speak to them? We could get one of their boats over here and have our independent station. Working with them would be very good for the economy of the Island as there are ports all along the French coast."

"Of course, it would be a very sad day for the Island if we were to go that way but if the issue of the appeal is not positive, we will have to."

The former crew member, who previously voiced his mistrust of the charity, also said: "I am very concerned about the lack of transparency in the ongoing process. I have no confidence at all for the RNLI and it is a very sad thing to say. There are not playing ball. They have only sent one letter saying the review was on-going but it's not an independent one."

Mr Battrick also praised local politicians for the work they have been doing in trying to resolve the dispute. "They are doing a very good job in fighting with the RNLI."

To show the RNLI how much Islanders support the Jersey lifeboat crew, a peaceful protest will be held on May Day at 12:00 at the Lifeboat Station as the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Jersey Boat Show take place. Despite the on-going dispute, the RNLI will be present at the boat show and will be raising funds with the shop open all weekend as they always have. The lifeboat station will however be closed.

The Jersey Action Group have called for a boycott of the charity and asked Islanders not to give any money during this weekend's Boat Show. Mr Battrick commented: "This is not going to affect the day to day running of the charity. But it will send a message and show the RNLI you can't mess with Jersey people. We are a community and we look after ourselves."