RNLI crews called to two rescue missions

RNLI St Helier's crew navigating the seas at night to find a missing boat

Lifeboats from St Helier were called out to separate rescue missions off Jersey's coast on a busy Sunday evening.

RNLI St Helier said its all-weather vessel George Sullivan and inshore lifeboat The Spirit of St Helier were initially both sent out at about 19:20 GMT on Sunday to a 13ft (4m) motorboat with two young people on board, which had got lost near La Rocque.

It said the George Sullivan was then diverted to a second incident near Pirou involving a small motor vessel with two people on board that had lost all power, leaving the Spirit of St Helier to deal with the original call-out.

The boats were able to locate both vessels and bring them back to safety in Jersey, RNLI St Helier said.

The George Sullivan all-weather lifeboat towed a small motor vessel back to Jersey

Paul Mimmack, St Helier's duty launch authority, said the rescues marked the end of a long day for the crews as they had been doing their annual fundraising car wash.

But he said the boats would always be ready to head out to an emergency situation when needed.

Mr Mimmack added: "Fortunately conditions for both call-outs were relatively favourable although any search and recovery is more complicated in the dark.

"However, our crew train for these scenarios and that training paid off this evening."