Press Release - Harbour RNLI in boat rescue - 25.04.2023

Media Release
Date: 25th April 2023
Issued: 1455hrs

Alderney services combine to rescue drifting boat

Alerted to a single-handed vessel in trouble at Corblets Bay on Sunday (April 23), four members of Alderney's Harbour team combined with the Island's rescue services to bring the skipper to safety and recover his boat.

Jersey-registered 'White Pirate' was in a "precarious situation" on the fort side of Corblets and was in danger of being swept onto dangerous rocks by the rising tide, said Harbour Master Adam Rose who attended with three Harbour first responders. Guernsey Border Agency and Alderney Police were called in to assist.

A line was passed to the owner of the vessel and anchored to the shore using a 4WD vehicle owned by one of two RNLI crew members who also attended.

After the skipper was helped to safety, Harbour Staff and the RNLI crew attempted to refloat the vessel, including the supply of fuel in an unsuccessful attempt to restart the engine and manoeuvre it to safety.

"White Pirate" was then dragged manually into a safer area of the bay. During the night the vessel was beached before being removed by Mainbrayce Ltd using a crane lift truck at the request of the Harbour Master. The owner of the vessel spent the night in a local hotel and has now left the Island.

"Special thanks are due to all Island services for a prompt and professional response and to Mainbrayce for removing the vessel following the rescue," said Mr Rose who is also Head of Alderney Coastguard.

"Without the commitment and skill of all involved a positive result to this incident would have been unlikely. This is a great example of what can be achieved in a small community when people work together."

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