First female crew member joins lifeboat station

A Guernsey lifeboat station has welcomed its first-ever female crew member, marking a historic moment for the island's lifesaving team.

Alex Broad, a nurse with A&E experience and a qualified life support instructor, has joined St Peter Port Lifeboat Station.

She said: "I am so excited to be a part of the lifeboat crew, and I'm especially proud to be the first female crew member.

"It means a lot to be a part of this incredible organisation and I look forward to getting stuck in, learning the ropes and saving lives at sea."

Joining her as new recruits are George Melbourne, a skipper, and Luke Le Poidevin, an engineer, both from Sark Shipping, along with Luke Robert, who works for Travel Trident and brings expertise as a former naval engineer and commercial diver.

The recruits are now in training, learning everything from lifeboat layouts and safety protocols to radio communications and ropework.

While the station looks to the future, it is also celebrating its past.

Three volunteers, Robert Alder, Carl Bisson and John Le Tissier, have all reached the milestone of 30 years' service.

Lifeboat operations manager, Richard Evans, said: "The St Peter Port Lifeboat Station is fortunate to have an extremely dedicated, committed and experienced crew and the RNLI has recognised the commitment that Rob, Carl and John have given freely over the past 30 years."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].