Spirit of Guernsey launched to rescue struggling boat

Tuesday 27 July 2021

Guernsey’s all-weather lifeboat was launched this week to help a boat struggling in the Big Russel with engine failure.

‘Pluto’ had broken down east of Herm and was struggling against the flood tide on Monday evening. One person on board was suffering with seasickness.

The crew contacted the Guernsey Coastguard, and a pan-pan emergency broadcast was made. Unfortunately, there were no boats that could assist nearby, so it was decided that the Spirt of Guernsey would have to be launched.

The lifeboat reached Pluto at 21:30 and towed it back to St Peter Port Harbour. 

It took an hour-and-a-half to get back into the harbour, where marina staff took over with assisting the broken-down boat and helping the crew on board.