At 3:15pm on Sunday 16th August 2026, Guernsey Coastguard was informed by Cross Jobourg Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), of a 7.5-metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that had suffered a mechanical breakdown approximately 42 miles west of Guernsey, with four people on board.

As the vessel was located within French search and rescue waters, Cross Jobourg MRCC retained overall coordination of the incident and requested assistance from Guernsey Coastguard. Following discussions between the two authorities, the RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) Spirit of Guernsey, was tasked at 4:00pm, to rendezvous with the broken down vessel and assess the situation on scene.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 6:35pm and established communications with the casualty craft. All four occupants were reported to be safe and well, with no injuries or immediate medical concerns. After assessing the vessel and the prevailing conditions, it was determined that the safest course of action was to put the four crew from the RIB onto the lifeboat and to take the RIB under tow.

The tow commenced at 7:10pm and both vessels arrived safely back into St Peter Port at 10:00pm.

The Lifeboat was back on station at 10:40pm

A spokesperson for Guernsey Coastguard said:

“The initial request for assistance was received from the French Coastguard, who coordinated the response throughout as the vessel was located within their waters. While there was no immediate danger to the four people on board, the vessel’s distance from shore and inability to make way under its own power meant assistance was required.

We would like to thank the crew of the Spirit of Guernsey for giving up their Sunday afternoon and evening, to go to the assistance of the French RIB.

We would also like to thank the RNLI’s St Helier lifeboat station for covering our area with their All Weather Lifeboat, whilst our ALB was conducting this long offshore tasking.

“The successful resolution of this incident highlights the strong working relationship between the French, Jersey and Guernsey Search and Rescue communities, whose seamless coordination ensured assistance was provided quickly and efficiently.”

Issued by: Mike Harris – Duty Search Mission Coordinator