JLA Takes Delivery Of New Inshore Lifeboat

Saturday, 3 July 2021 08:00

The Jersey Lifeboat Association's new inshore rescue boat is due to arrive in the island today.

The JLA says its new RIB will be the fastest of its kind in the Channel Islands.

It's been carrying out sea trials off the south coast of England this week.

The boat is currently on its way to the island, and is expected to arrive at St Helier's Albert Pier at around 12pm.

The JLA says anyone is welcome to come and watch the boat arrive but warns some restrictions may be introduced to ensure that social distancing is maintained.

Coxswain Andy Hibbs told Channel 103 he hopes it will be fully up and running by the end of the month:

"The boat will be here on Saturday but it won't be operational just yet.

"Although it will be fully coded, we've still got quite a bit of training to do with the crew then we'll go through a declaration process with Jersey's Coastguard just as we had to do with Sir Max [Aitken III].

"It shouldn't take too long - but I'd have thought within two or three weeks, we'll be fully up and running."

He says the JLA 'couldn't have done this without the love and support of our local community'.