Emergency boats given blessing

CROWDS gathered to witness the blessing of the island's emergency boats during a special ceremony yesterday.

The service on the Albert Pier saw holy water sprinkled and prayers read aloud as part of the blessing of the lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey, marine ambulance Flying Christine III and Sea Fisheries' boat the Leopardess.

Organiser Cynthia Cormack, of Churches Together in Guernsey, said it followed the success of last year's inaugural service and she felt it was something the island was missing.

'This is a very special occasion of the blessing of our boats and for the crew who, without regard for their own safety, go out in all weathers to rescue and save the lives of others in great trouble and distress,' she said.

'I just felt we needed something like this in Guernsey. It is good for the island and good for the tourists.'