Jersey and French Coastguard hold joint search and rescue exercise

Monday 03 June 2024

The Jersey and French Coastguards held a joint training exercise this weekend which saw search and rescue teams, lifeboats, divers and a helicopter successfully rescue a mannequin from a fictional boat collision.

The RNLI, Jersey Lifeboat Association, Channel Islands Air Search and the French search and rescue vessels SNS 443 and SNS 449 were among the assets that took part in the exercise east of the island.

The training scenario involved a fictional collision between two vessels, and the search for a life raft and one 'person' (a mannequin) in the water.

Pictured: Jersey and French Coastguard assets took part in the exercise at the weekend. (Ports of Jersey)

All 'casualties' were found and recovered, before a French helicopter performed winching operations involving two divers and a stretcher being lowered to the rescue boats. 

The two vessels involved in the fictional collision were successfully towed back to St Helier.

Pictured: The training exercise involved a French helicopter and divers. (Ports of Jersey)

In a statement, Ports of Jersey said: "This exercise has become an annual event (now in its third year) which provides an opportunity for French and Jersey SAR assets to work together, with Jersey Coastguard and Jobourg MRCC taking turns to plan and coordinate the exercise."

Next year will see Jersey Coastguard planning and co-ordinating the exercise.