Marine ambulance out of service due to fault

The Flying Christine III was on route to the Isle of Wight for maintenance when the issue was discovered

Guernsey's marine ambulance is out of service after a mechanical fault was found with the vessel.

The Flying Christine III was on route to the Isle of Wight for maintenance when the issue was discovered, Ambulance and Rescue Guernsey said.

It arrived in Braye Harbour, Alderney, at about 09:00 BST after the crew noticed the problem.

The service said "long-standing contingency plans" were already in place, including the use of relief vessels.

It said the plans "have already been enacted" after the Bailiwick Chief was deployed to Herm earlier for an injured patient requiring treatment and transfer to Guernsey.

"We would like to thank the operators of the relief vessels for offering their services to ensure the vital lifeline marine ambulance provision can be maintained," the service said.

Upgrades were previously made to the St John Marine Ambulance in May.

Maintenance on the nearly 30-year-old vessel is scheduled to be carried out in various phases throughout the year.