Investigation launched after engine fire on RNLI lifeboat

Friday 04 October 2024

An investigation is underway into the cause of an engine fire on the RNLI Jersey's all-weather lifeboat during a rescue mission yesterday evening.

The lifeboat "experienced an unforeseeable mechanical issue" while responding to an incident and had to be towed to shore by the in-shore lifeboat, according to the RNLI.

The search-and-rescue organisation confirmed that all crew were fine.

In a statement, the RNLI said: "The Jersey all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboats were tasked yesterday evening to a service.

"During that service, the all-weather lifeboat experienced an unforeseeable mechanical issue, which resulted in a fire in the engine room, and was recovered by the inshore lifeboat.

"We can confirm that all the crew are fine and managed the situation themselves.

"RNLI volunteer crews train for a range of scenarios, including mechanical issues, and are prepared for such eventualities.

"An investigation into the cause of the fire will be undertaken and repairs carried out."

The Jersey Coastguard also asked the Jersey Lifeboat Association to help the RNLI vessel if needed, and respond to a Mayday transmission at Les Miquiers Reef.

The JLA's all-weather vessel, Sir Max Aitken III, was launched within 10 minutes of the alert at 18:00.

After confirming the RNLI vessel's situation was under control, the JLA continued to the search area at Les Miquiers Reef.

The Channel Island Air Search also joined the search effort, but both were later stood down after nothing was found.