Guernsey lifeboat to cover Jersey after crew resign
GUERNSEY'S lifeboat is also covering Jersey after the St Helier crew walked out.
The Guernsey branch of the RNLI will be responding to any emergencies in Jersey or Guernsey waters until the Jersey lifeboat is ready for service again.
It follows 25 crew members resigning this morning in protest of the sacking of the long standing coxswain Andy Hibbs, who has served with the charity for 25 years.
In a statement about the dismissal of Mr Hibbs, the RNLI said it had not taken the decision lightly.
'We are working hard to bring in extra support and put the St Helier all-weather lifeboat back on service in the next couple of days,' a spokesperson said.
'In the meantime, we are working with our colleagues across the emergency services to provide an effective maritime rescue service.'
Captain Peter Gill, the lifeboat operations manager in St Peter Port, said his station had been 'advised about the situation' in Jersey.
'When a lifeboat is unavailable, flank lifeboat stations are advised and search and rescue cover is extended and thereby provided,' he said.
'Guernsey Coastguard has been advised.'
The RNLI confirmed this was normal routine.
Alderneys' lifeboat will also extend its cover as a result.
