The St John marine ambulance, Flying Christine III, is expected to remain out of service for at least the next six weeks, following the discovery of a gearbox failure during a recent survey carried out while the vessel was undergoing routine annual maintenance.
The purpose-built vessel, which was constructed with donations and funding from the public was launched in 1994, with a design life of 30 years and has now been in operation for 29 years.
St John Ambulance and Rescue Service has now ordered replacement bespoke parts, which are being specially manufactured, with an expected lead time of six weeks.
We are continuing to work closely with our partners to ensure that other vessels in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, can provide cover while the marine ambulance undergoes repairs and we will continue to provide essential emergency services to the Bailiwick islands with the support of those partners.
The marine ambulance is crewed by professional paramedic-led medical teams from Guernsey’s emergency ambulance service, providing pre-hospital paramedic care and the ability to deliver advanced life support for the islands of the Bailiwick.
The St Peter Port lifeboat has been deployed on eight marine ambulance missions since the Flying Christine III was taken out of the water for reparirs earlier this year.
Click below for previous news about the work on the Flying Christine III