A JOINT search-and-rescue exercise has been held by Jersey Coastguard and the French Coastguard in the Island’s waters.
The training saw lifeboats, divers and a helicopter deployed.
The RNLI, Jersey Lifeboat Association, Channel Islands Air Search and the French search and rescue vessels SNS 443 and SNS 449 were among the assets that took part in the exercise east of the Island.
The training scenario involved a fictional collision between two vessels and the search for a life raft and one person (a mannequin) in the water.
All “casualties” were found and recovered, before a French helicopter performed winching operations involving two divers and a stretcher being lowered to the rescue boats. The two vessels involved in the “collision” were towed back to St Helier.
In a statement following the weekend training, Ports of Jersey said: “This exercise has become an annual event (now in its third year) which provides an opportunity for French and Jersey SAR assets to work together, with Jersey Coastguard and Jobourg MRCC taking turns to plan and coordinate the exercise.”
Next year will see Jersey Coastguard planning and co-ordinating the exercise.
