AN investigation is under way into the cause of an engine fire on the RNLI Jersey’s all-weather lifeboat.
The lifeboat “experienced an unforeseeable mechanical issue” while responding to an incident at the Minquiers and had to be towed to shore by the in-shore lifeboat, according to the RNLI.
The search-and-rescue organisation has confirmed that crew “are fine” following the blaze.
In a statement, the RNLI said: “The Jersey all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboats were tasked yesterday [Thursday] evening to a service. During that service, the all-weather lifeboat experienced an unforeseeable mechanical issue, which resulted in a fire in the engine room, and was recovered by the inshore lifeboat.
“We can confirm that all the crew are fine and managed the situation themselves. RNLI volunteer crews train for a range of scenarios, including mechanical issues, and are prepared for such eventualities.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire will be undertaken and repairs carried out.”
The Jersey Lifeboat Association was also tasked by Jersey Coastguard to help the stricken RNLI vessel but the situation had been brought under control by the time they arrived.
The RNLI, JLA and Channel Islands Air Search were all responding to a mayday transmission at the Minquiers but the search effort was ultimately called off after nothing was found.
