Two calls for Channel Islands Air Search

The two calls for assistance came within half an hour

Channel Islands Air Search was called out twice in half an hour to assist French search and rescue efforts.

The Lion's Pride islander plane was first called out at 0900 BST on Sunday.

It helped to locate two casualties, who were rescued after their French fishing boat had sunk a few hours earlier off the Roche Douvres lighthouse.

The plane was also involved in a unsuccessful search 20 miles north west of Le Havre following a Mayday call.

French authorities had been searching throughout the night before requesting the help of Air Search at about 0930 BST.

After the plane had searched 120 sq miles (310 sq km) the search was stood down and the Lion's Pride returned to Guernsey at 1350 BST.