Coastguard praise for rescue skipper

Tuesday 28th July 2009, 2:58PM BST.

Captain Rob Barton

JERSEY Coastguard today praised the seamanship of Guernsey’s former harbourmaster after he rescued five people whose boat was about to be dashed against rocks at Corbière.

Captain Rob Barton risked the safety of his 45-ft yacht as he manoeuvred close to the foot of the lighthouse in strong winds and a large swell just after 4 pm yesterday.

The 5.6-metre inflatable had got into trouble after breaking down with five men from Guernsey on board.

Jersey Assistant Harbourmaster Paul Mimmack said that the RIB was unable to contact the Coastguard as it had a faulty radio, but Capt Barton picked up the distress call and started relaying messages to the Coastguard. He then came in close to the rocks and towed out the RIB.

• See Tuesday’s JEP for full story.

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