The St Helier RNLI crew needed to help their own vessel to safety last night (3 October), following a fire onboard the all weather lifeboat.

A fire was discovered in the George Sullivan's engine room after the lifeboat suffered an 'unforeseeable' mechanical problem.

It had been on a shout at the time, but needed to be recovered by the inshore lifeboat.

The RNLI confirmed that the crew are 'fine' and managed the situation.

"RNLI volunteer crews train for a range of scenarios, including mechanical issues, and are prepared for such eventualities."

The cause of the fire is being investigated and the George Sullivan is out of service.

The Jersey Lifeboat Association's Sir Max Aitken III responded to the original Mayday call within 10 minutes, at around 6.00 pm.

Its crew also responded to a second Mayday call at Les Minquiers Reef with the Lion's Pride CI Airsearch Service, although nothing was found.