At approximately 2035 hours on Thursday 23 April 2026, Guernsey Coastguard received a Mayday distress call from a yacht.

Initial communications with the vessel were poor; however, Coastguard Officers were able to establish that the yacht was located to the south of Guernsey and required assistance. Using radar at the Signal Station, the vessel was identified and its position was confirmed with those on board. The yacht was located approximately two miles south-east of St Martin’s Point. It took some time to determine the exact nature of the distress.

At 2044 hours, the St Peter Port Lifeboat was requested to launch.

Guernsey Coastguard maintained communications with the vessel and established that the yacht had suffered damage earlier in the passage and was no longer able to sail, relying instead on engine power. Subsequently, the engine failed and, due to the prevailing sea conditions, the crew were unable to carry out remedial action.

The All-Weather Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey departed St Peter Port at 2059 hours and arrived on scene at 2109 hours. The lifeboat crew assessed that the yacht was unable to make way under its own power, and a tow was established.

The yacht was successfully towed back to St Peter Port, arriving safely at 2147 hours.

Duty SAR Mission Coordinator Simon Granger commented:
“The two sailors on board the casualty vessel experienced a failure earlier in the day which left them unable to sail. They continued their passage under engine power, however this also failed, and due to the sea conditions they were unable to work on the problem.

They made the decision to call for assistance before the situation deteriorated further. Thanks to the swift response of the lifeboat crew, the vessel was located quickly and brought safely back to St Peter Port.”