Jersey mariners tried to sail home at night after day of drinking

Monday 18 October 2021

A couple of Jersey sailors who got lost at sea in Guernsey waters after a day of drinking had to be rescued by the St Peter Port Inshore Lifeboat.

The Elizabeth & Margaret Milligan Lifeboat was launched by Guernsey Coastguard in the early hours of Sunday morning after a 21ft open speed boat - Apache - got lost outside of St Martin's Point.

The lifeboat was on scene within 20 minutes and found the two sailors, who were both wearing wet clothing and suffering from the cold.

The lifeboat escorted “Apache” back to St Peter Port, where it was met by Coastguard and Harbour Officers who then handed both casualties over to the St John’s Ambulance & Rescue Service for assessment.

The sailors had left St Peter Port Harbour in the evening after a day of drinking. 

“This incident was largely due to the crew taking their vessel to sea, in the dark after consuming alcohol throughout the day,” said a Coastguard Officer.  

“The vessel was not appropriately equipped for returning to Jersey at night and had very limited safety equipment onboard.”

The Officer emphasised the Harbour Master’s “three P’s message”; that all mariners should Prepare their vessel and themselves for the intended trip; Provide the correct equipment onboard; and Perform responsibly on the water.