VIDEO: Local seafarers help save eight people in rough sea rescue

Thursday 28 September 2017

A local fishing vessel played a key role in rescuing eight people last night after their yacht got into trouble in rough seas around Gorey.

A 45ft French sailing yacht struck rocks just outside of the east coast harbour shortly after 22:00 yesterday evening.

A Jersey Fire and Rescue Service boat was dispatched to the scene, where it found the St Catherine’s RNLI Inshore Lifeboat already alongside the floundering vessel.

“The sea state and strong winds hampered the RNLI lifeboat’s efforts to assist the yacht to safety, so assistance was requested to help the French yacht that had 8 persons on board,” a Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson explained.

Video: The RNLI, Fire and Rescue Service and a local fishing boat worked together to recover the French yacht that had struck rocks in Gorey Harbour. (RNLI)

A local fishing boat was luckily on scene to assist, however, and was able to tow the damaged yacht, working alongside the two other rescue vessels.

After an hour of teamwork, the three boats successfully rescued the yacht, steering it out of danger’s way.

All eight people on board the yacht were wearing life jackets and were not injured during the ordeal.

The yacht, however, sustained damage to its hull and propeller.

Crew Commander Craig Channing praised the “teamwork and perseverance” of the trio.

“The conditions and vulnerable position of the vessel meant all three boats on scene were working together in close proximity of each other, rocks and other vessels moored in the harbour, and that Jersey Fire and Rescue would like to thank the private fishing vessel for their much needed assistance,” he said.