At approximately 0948 hours on Sunday 18 January 2026, Guernsey Coastguard received a VHF radio call from a local fishing vessel reporting that it was assisting another local fishing vessel with a fouled propeller in the area of Saint Martin’s Point. The assisting vessel advised that it was unable to tow and that the casualty vessel was close to rocks on a falling tide. Immediate assistance was requested.

One crew member from the casualty vessel had been taken aboard the assisting vessel; however, one crew member remained on board the stranded vessel.

At 0950 hours, the Coastguard requested the immediate launch of the St Peter Port Lifeboat. At the same time, broadcasts were made requesting assistance from any suitable vessels in the area. The Coastguard was grateful for the offers of assistance received from other vessels.

The Coastguard maintained continuous communications with the assisting vessel to ensure the situation did not deteriorate further.

The St Peter Port Lifeboat departed at 1004 hours and arrived on scene at 1012 hours. Due to the casualty vessel’s position among rocks, the lifeboat deployed its small rescue craft, enabling crew to access the vessel and safely cut it free from the gear fouling its propeller. The vessel was then moved into safer water, where a tow line was established.

The lifeboat subsequently towed the vessel to St Peter Port, arriving safely at 1052 hours.

Duty SAR Mission Coordinator Simon Granger commented: “This incident was quickly and safely resolved with no injuries and no damage to vessels, thanks to the assistance of another local fishing vessel and the fast response of the lifeboat.”