0212 A Mayday Call was received by Guernsey Coastguard from “Defiance” that she was taking on water and required immediate assistance. The vessel was in a position 1.5 mls. South East of St Peter Port Harbour, engaged in trawling. 3 crew on –board.  WX:– NNW 15-20 knts. Moderate sea + swell

0213 Lifeboat Red ”Spirit of Guernsey” was called to go to the vessels assistance.

0216 A call was received from the skipper of “Defiance” informing Guernsey Coastguard that the Mayday call was a false alarm as the problem on board had been resolved, that the vessel was being pumped out, and that everything was under control.

0218 A decision was made by the Duty SAR Coordinator that the Lifeboat would proceed to escort the vessel into Port to ensure that the vessel was actually in a stable condition and that everyone was safe..

0238 St Peter Port Lifeboat Pierheads heading towards “Defiance” and escorting vessel back into St Peter Port.

0241 Both vessels safely  back in St Peter Port.  Duty Harbour Master will speak with the skipper of “Defiance” to understand how this Mayday call was allowed to be made, and review procedures on the fishing vessel as this is the third call this year form “Defiance” needing assistance from the Rescue Services.

Introduction by Major Marco Ciotti following Sir Richard Collas’ welcoming words.

“The people of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland all depend on the RNLI – and the RNLI relies on its network of more than 31,500 volunteers. We are here this evening to honour a group of Islanders who, together, have accumulated well over 150 years of service. Once on board as part of the crew, local volunteers tend to stay for a long time, as tonight’s awards will testify. Indeed, it is very likely that most have served the RNLI for even longer than their awards might suggest.

2014 was the second busiest year on record for the St Peter Port lifeboat, which put to sea more than 90 times. To date this year, the lifeboat has put to sea more than once a week. Guernsey owes a debt of gratitude to those Islanders who stand ready at all hours and in all conditions to deliver a comprehensive search and rescue service in one of the most challenging of sea areas.

There is often mention of luck in search and rescue but, as in so many fields, the lucky ones make their own. It stems from dedication and professionalism, and Guernsey can take pride in the fact that St Peter Port Lifeboat has plenty of both.”

The awards were presented by acting Lt-Governor Sir Richard Collas. Photos by Brian Green

Edward Fattorini, vice chairman of the Guernsey branch, Steve Gould, Mike Galliott, Keith Martel, John Le Tissier, Sir Richard Collas, Carl Bisson, John Webster and Rob Alder – picture by Brian Green

Keith Martel, John Le Tissier, Rob Alder and Carl Bisson Picture: Brian Green – November 10, 2015

The award winners with the St Peter Port Lifeboat crew and Peter Gill

Carl Bisson is awarded the 20-year RNLI Long Service Badge

John Le Tissier is awarded the 20-year RNLI Long Service Badge

John Webster is awarded the RNLI Silver Statuette in recognition of his valuable support of the Lifeboat service.

Keith Martel is awarded the RNLI Certificate of Service.

Mike Galliott is awarded the RNLI Silver Statuette in recognition of his valuable support of the Lifeboat service.

Rob Alder is awarded the 20-year RNLI Long Service Badge

Steve Gould is awarded the RNLI Bronze Badge in recognition of his valuable support of the Lifeboat Service.

At 17:00 on Saturday 24th October 2015 Guernsey Coastguard received a May-Day call from the local boat Patricia 2 in difficulties East of Herm with engine problems and drifting in the tide.

Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey arriving in Big Russel to take tow from Bon Mairn de Serk 24-10-15 Pic by Tony Rive

The “Bon Marin de Sark” returning from Sark responded to the call heading for the casualty position, at 17:13 Guernsey Coastguard received a call from the casualty advising of a possible capsize.

Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey arriving in Big Russel to take tow from Bon Mairn de Serk 24-10-15 Pic by Tony Rive

“Spirit of Guernsey” departed St Peter Port at 17:23 but the Bon Marin arrived on scene first at 17:20 and found the casualty drifting with two people on board, after attaching a towline to the casualty the Bon Marin started towing the vessel until the Lifeboat arrived at 17:38 taking over the tow back to St Peter Port.

The Lifeboat returned to St Peter Port at 18:25 with the Patricia 2 in tow.

Spirit of Guernsey arriving in St Peter Port with motor boat Patricia 2 24-10-15 Pic by Tony Rive