New inshore lifeboat officially enters service

The Elizabeth and Margaret Milligan B-class Atlantic lifeboat joins the all-weather boat in the harbour for a two-year trial.

The volunteer crew of 13 – including four fully qualified helms – has been training on the boat for the last six months and took part in their final exercise earlier this week, before the boat was declared on service yesterday morning.

Guernsey RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat operations manager Chris Harvey said: ‘The crew have shown dedication and commitment in getting through their training so quickly and professionally.

‘As volunteers, the demands on their time for them and their families is high, and even more so in the preparations for the new vessel.

‘They are a credit to the station and I am grateful for their hard work.

Guernsey’s Severn class all-weather boat, Spirit of Guernsey, is the largest boat in the RNLI fleet and is capable of operating in the worst conditions.

However, the Atlantic 85 is a fast-response vessel, with the ability to operate close inshore, which is a tremendous bonus.

‘We look forward to the challenge of using the vessel to its best advantage during the two-year trial,’ Mr Harvey said.

‘The weather has been fantastic for the past few days so as we head towards the weekend, we’d urge everyone on the island to take care in or by the water, and to call 999 and ask for the coastguard if they see anyone in trouble.

‘Enjoy our wonderful beaches and coastline but always remember to respect the water.’