Crash sinks 62-foot boat in Jersey

The damage done to Raudiere Buoy after a 62-foot boat hit it last night. Credit: Ports of Jersey

Two people were rescued by Jersey Fire and Rescue's inshore boat after a 62-foot private boat struck a buoy in St Aubin's Bay and sank last night.

It happened at around quarter to six, on the same day that the RNLI closed St Helier lifeboat station and took the island's only all-weather lifeboat to the UK.

It comes after a dispute with the St Helier lifeboat crew who announced earlier this week that they wanted to run the service independently.

The sunken boat took in water 'rapidly' after hitting the Raudiere buoy and the two crew members on board called a MAYDAY and abandoned ship onto a life raft.

Three firefighters reached the boat as it was almost completely submerged and brought the pair to shore without any injuries.

Arrangements are being put in place to salvage the vessel. There is no evidence of any fuel leak but the Environment Department have been informed of the incident.