Aim to keep Christine at sea past 30
Marine ambulance Flying Christine III celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and events to mark the occasion are being planned, including a ceremony at the harbour and a chance for people to take a tour of the boat.
Before that, the St John boat is undergoing its routine annual service, essential maintenance and planned upgrades.
Given its age, the work is being carried out with a view to extending its operational life.
It was originally built with a 30-year lifespan, but following boat surveys and operational reviews, the board of the St John Ambulance & Rescue Service decided to invest in improvements. These should extend its operational life by another 10 years.
During its time out of the water, the boat will be repainted and cleaned, its engine will be removed and serviced, mechanics and electrics will be upgraded, deck hatches improved and the clinical area will be updated and infection control standards enhanced.
The St Peter Port Lifeboat, the Access Challenger and the Brecqhou Chief will once again cover for the marine ambulance during the work.
‘We are grateful to the management and volunteer crew of St Peter Port lifeboat and operators of the Access Challenger and Brecqhou Chief for their support in helping us provide resilience while the Flying Christine is out of the water,’ said volunteer marine operations manager Gary Ward.
While volunteers are going to be giving up their time to help in the work, BMR Engineering, electrician Dave Le Cras and staff from Boatworks+ will take care of the specialist side of the project.
It is estimated that the work will cost about £200,000 which is described as being a fraction of what it would cost to buy a new boat. This will be funded by charitable funds from a bequest specifically for the marine ambulance.
It is hoped that the first phase will be completed in five or six weeks with phase two due to start after the 30th anniversary in November.
