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24 September 2014

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You are in: Guernsey > Places > Places Features > Onboard Guernsey's Marine Ambulance

Marine Ambulance

The Marine Ambulance at sea

Onboard Guernsey's Marine Ambulance

Flying Christine III is on call 24 hours a day ready to respond to medical emergencies in the waters around Guernsey and the neighbouring islands of Herm and Sark. BBC Guernsey went on board for a behind the scenes tour.

Flying Christine III

Length 45 ft
Beam 13 ft
Draft 4 ft 6 in
Fuel 450 gallons
Max Speed 23 knots
Range 250 miles at 20 knots
Engine Twin Caterpillar V8 turbo diesel

Guernsey's Marine Ambulance is a unique craft. She was built by Seaward Marine in 1994 and designed to cut through waves rather than ride on the surface. The vessel is 45-foot long with a large treatment room built low into the middle of the boat.

The vessel is fitted with both medical and search and rescue equipment. It can also assist in cliff rescues along side the Ambulance and Rescue Services inshore rescue boats.

The wheelhouse is well forward and the engine room well to the stern. The low aft deck allows patients to be transferred from other craft at sea. Large doors on both port and starboard side give good access for stretchers.

Marine Ambulance

Onboard the Marine Ambulance

The crew is made up of full-time ambulance staff trained in marine operations. The Master and Navigator are volunteers from the local boating community.

The Flying Christine receives no government funding and is paid for by donations and bequests. She is the third vessel to carry the name.

BBC Guernsey's Jim Cathcart spoke to the Chief Ambulance Officer Neil Tucker about the craft.

last updated: 30/04/2008 at 12:14
created: 09/04/2008

You are in: Guernsey > Places > Places Features > Onboard Guernsey's Marine Ambulance



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