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After the Second World War, Reg Blanchford, the founder of the St John Ambulance & Rescue Service in Guernsey, recognised the need for his team to respond to medical emergencies wherever they occurred, even at sea.
Initially, the Service relied on local boat skippers to transport ambulance teams to patients aboard ships or on neighbouring islands.
However, when suitable boats were unavailable, it became clear that a dedicated marine ambulance was needed. This need gave birth to ‘Flying Christine‘, a name that holds a significant place in the history of Guernsey’s marine ambulance service.
In the early 1950s, after much lobbying, Reg Blanchford raised the funds to purchase a former RAF seaplane tender owned by Don le Prevost. The boat was modified to carry stretcher patients and was called Flying Christine. Although some were sceptical of the idea, the marine ambulance soon proved invaluable in responding to emergencies at sea and along Guernsey’s cliffs.
Unfortunately, in 1963, Flying Christine was destroyed in a storm, when she broke her mooring and was dashed on rocks, leaving the Service without a marine ambulance. Having demonstrated the importance of the vessel, Blanchford led a fundraising effort, and in 1964, Flying Christine II was launched. This new boat was based on the original but featured purpose-built improvements. For almost 30 years, Flying Christine II responded to over 1,000 incidents, saving countless lives.
By the 1990s, Flying Christine II was showing signs of wear, and the and the Chief Officer of the day, Neil Tucker, had to decide on a replacement. Guided by the Service’s extensive experience, he decided to commission a totally new vessel. After consulting local mariners and boatbuilders, they designed a state-of-the-art craft, based on the Nelson-45 hull. Flying Christine III was custom-built for the unique needs of the Service, featuring a large stretcher cabin, advanced medical facilities, and the ability to assist in diverse rescue scenarios, from ship-to-shore transfers to cliff rescues.
Launched in November 1994 and named by HRH the Duke of Gloucester, Flying Christine III continues the proud tradition of the marine ambulance. With over 70 years of history, Flying Christine vessels have become synonymous with life-saving efforts at sea in Guernsey and the surrounding waters. Their impact on the community, in terms of saving lives and providing crucial medical aid, is immeasurable. Although the origin of the name ‘Christine’ remains a mystery, the legacy of these boats and their role in bringing vital medical aid by sea is indisputable.
Today, we have the opportunity to extend Flying Christine III’s life by another decade with a predicted £200,000 refit. This crucial upgrade will modernise the clinical treatment area, ensure the vessel’s reliability, and guarantee compliance with the latest regulations as a search and rescue asset. The refit will include [specific improvements], which will significantly enhance the vessel’s capabilities and its ability to continue serving as a vital link in delivering life-saving medical aid by sea for years to come.
