Two people rescued after plane crashed off Jersey coast say they're 'indebted' to RNLI

A pilot and a passenger who were stranded in the sea after their plane crashed off the coast of Jersey said they are "indebted" to the RNLI.

Duncan Lainey and Paul Clifford were both onboard a light aircraft when it crashed off Jersey's south-east coast.

Emergency services were called just after 2pm when the pilot contacted Air Traffic via a radio to say they were crashing into the sea.

All three RNLI lifeboats Ports of Jersey’s pilot boat ‘Rival’, Channel Islands Air Search, and a French rescue helicopter went to the scene to take part in the search, all coordinated by Jersey's coastguard.

The pair were rescued from the sea and found safe and well before being taken back to St Helier by the RNLI lifeboat.

The two men were in a dingy for an hour before they were rescued by the RNLI Credit: ITV Channel

One of the men rescued, Mr Lainey, said: "I feel delighted to be back of course.

"There was a great sense of relief and the RNLI did a fantastic professional job in picking us up very, very quickly."

He added: "We were only in the dingy for about an hour.

"That felt like a long time, but as soon as they arrived the service that they provided was exceptional. I'm indebted to what they provided for us."

Mr Clifford, said: "It was a little bit worrying, but we were alright. We knew that people would come and get us, we were fine."

One of the men onboard is a former RAF tornado pilot and his experience was key in helping both men survive.

Ports of Jersey Marine Quality Manager and search mission control for the coastguard, Phil Le Neveu, said: "The team worked really well together just to get all the wheels in motion.

"We got the assets on the water and from there we were able to progress the search planning of the operation. Luckily everything went really smoothly."

He continued: "I wasn't the nicest of conditions up to probably a two-and-a-half metre swirl building to a 4,7 and a big tide as well so not ideal.

"But the guys did amazing to get the job done today."

In a statement, Jersey Coastguard said:

"This afternoon Jersey Coastguard received a call from Jersey Air Traffic Control informing us of a light Aircraft in difficulties off Jersey’s South East Coast.

"The situation rapidly escalated when the Aircraft ditched into the sea 7.5NM SE of La Rocque Harbour. The two persons onboard the Aircraft were able to evacuate to their life raft and activate the Personal Locator beacon.

"The Personal Locator beacon played a huge part in locating the life raft in gale force conditions. Jersey Coastguard tasked, all three of the Islands RNLI Lifeboats, Ports of Jersey work boat ‘Rival’, Channel Island Air Search and French Helicopter ‘Dragon 50’.

"Thanks to the fast response by the crews of all the assets, the use of Drift Modelling Software and the homing signal from the Personal Locator Beacon, the life raft was located very quickly.

"Both of the casualties were returned safe and well to St Helier on board the St Helier all weather life boat. Jersey Coastguard would like to offer our sincere thanks to all of the crews who braved gale force conditions to assist the airmen today. Your selfless actions to respond today undoubtedly saved two lives."

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch are now investigating the incident.

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