RNLI lifeboat assists disabled boat offshore

An RNLI lifeboat rescued four people from a disabled rigid inflatable boat (RIB) after it suffered a mechanical breakdown 42 miles (68km) off Guernsey.

The 25ft (7.5m) vessel was reported to Guernsey Coastguard at 15:15 BST on Sunday after the French Coastguard requested assistance because the stricken vessel was within French search and rescue waters.

The four people on board were found unharmed, but the RIB was unable to move under its own power and was taken under tow.

A spokesperson for Guernsey Coastguard said: "While there was no immediate danger to the four people on board, the vessel's distance from shore and inability to make way under its own power meant assistance was required."

The Spirit of Guernsey lifeboat arrived at about 18:35, transferred all four people on to the lifeboat and began towing the RIB at 19:10, with both vessels reaching St Peter Port at 22:00.

The incident was coordinated by the French Cross Jobourg Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

Coastguards thanked the Spirit of Guernsey crew assisting, as well as the RNLI's St Helier lifeboat station for providing cover while the Guernsey lifeboat was offshore.

The spokesperson said the incident highlighted the "strong working relationship" between French, Jersey and Guernsey search and rescue teams.

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