Initial review commissioned to investigate Jersey lifeboat saga
An initial review has been commissioned into the 2017 breakdown between the RNLI and some of its crew in Jersey.
Protests were held, 25 members of the St Helier lifeboat team walked out - and the coxswainAndy Hibbs was asked to stand down.
Months of turmoil saw public protests, questions raised by politicians, and at one point the RNLI withdrawing the use of its lifeboat in the island.
In 2017, Mr Hibbs told ITV News false allegations were made against him, which led to his sacking in April.
He appealed the decision and was told he will be reinstated and has been issued a full apology by the RNLI.
Mr Hibbs then went on to form the breakaway Jersey Lifeboats charity, which is now an accredited resource used by the island’s Coastguard.
The RNLI launched a fresh recruitment drive and quickly returned to its normal state of readiness to deal with emergencies which it has done ever since.
The review will determine whether or not a full independent inquiry is required.
The government has confirmed to ITV News that the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondre, has ordered a review.
It is collating evidence until 5 April which ITV News understands will be assessed by a QC and is not expected to report back until summer at the earliest.
The Jersey Lifeboat Association have welcomed the review in the first instance and say they hope any further investigations will 'set the record straight and bring closure for those involved.'Deputy Steve Luce, was Environment Minister at the time of the original dispute and closely involved in finding an initial resolution. He is also a member of the RNLI himself.He says he has been asked to contribute to the review but feels it is unnecessary.'Remember at the time everybody put their hands up, everybody said they'd mademistakes, everybody said they were all to blame in some small way, and theyagreed to move on, and we have moved on, we are in a better place than we everhave been and why go back over that all again, which is why there's no goodreason to have this review.'
The RNLI in the UK meanwhile said, in a statement, they were yet to be notified of the review.