06-07-2025
Ferry crew and RNLI respond to Mayday call from yacht off Jersey
A passenger ferry and the RNLI went to the aid of a French yacht after its skipper fell ill on RNLI said it received a mayday call at about 18:30 BST from the yacht which was about eight miles (12.8 km) to the west of Corbière call was made by the daughters of the skipper, who was unwell and unable to sail the yacht into St Condor Voyager, which was en route to St Malo, diverted to offer assistance. It launched its rescue boat so crew could board the yacht and "provide immediate casualty care".
The RNLI's all weather lifeboat arrived 30 minutes later, relieving Condor's crew and allowing it to continue with its sailing to St Malo.A casualty assessment found the skipper of the French yacht was not in immediate danger, it said, and it decided to sail the vessel back to St Helier "under a reduced sail area".The charity said the weather conditions had been challenging with a heavy swell and gusting winds of up to a force 6.
Gibby Gordon, coxswain for RNLI Jersey, said the rescue was "a great example of multiple vessels working together to help manage a mayday situation". He said: "We are extremely grateful to Condor Voyager and her crew who were first on scene and able to provide immediate assistance. "Our volunteer crew were able to take over and provide ongoing casualty care and help manage a successful outcome for this family."
