At around 1810 hours on Monday 10 August Guernsey Coastguard were alerted to a Distress Call from a French Fishing Vessel around 14 miles off the Guernsey West Coast.

Joburg Maritime Rescue Co Ordination Centre contacted the Fishing Vessel directly and they subsequently advised Guernsey Coastguard of a medical incident on board a 22m French Trawler, whereby one of the vessels crew required immediate medical assistance.

At around 1825 hours following a request from Joburg MRCC, Guernsey Coastguard requested the launch of the St Peter Port Lifeboat which was to convey 2 St Johns Paramedics to the location, the French dispatched a rescue helicopter to the location.

The Spirit of Guernsey Lifeboat left St Peter Port with 7 crew and 2 paramedics at 1839 hours and arrived with the Fishing Vessel at 1919 hours.

The French Rescue helicopter arrived at a similar time and lowered their Paramedic to the Fishing Vessel. The decision was taken to immediately evacuate the casualty into the Helicopter and transfer him to Cherbourg.

The Lifeboat stood by as safety cover whilst the winching operation was underway.

The Spirit of Guernsey Lifeboat was back in St Peter Port by 2020 hours where she was refuelled and made ready for service.

DUTY SMC (Search Mission Coordinator) Simon Granger said “This was an excellent collaboration between the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Joburg, Guernsey Coastguard, St Johns, the RNLI along with the French Military for providing a rescue helicopter. All the agencies acted swiftly in sending medical assistance out to casualty and providing the best care possible.”