The Flying Christine III is back on the water and back to operational duties following Phase 1 of an extensive refit.

The Flying Christine III is a purpose-built marine ambulance, originally constructed in 1994 with a 30 year design life, but following boat surveys and operational reviews the board of St John Ambulance and Rescue Service decided to extend the life of the vessel by investing in a programme of improvements.

The two phase project will help to ensure the boat can continue to provide a lifeline service for the Bailiwick and meet operational needs of the service for another 10 years. Work includes repainting and cleaning, removal and serving of the engine, upgrading the mechanics and electrics, improvements to the deck hatches, updating clinical area and enhanced infection control standards. Phase 2 is scheduled to start at the end of 2024.

Under existing contingency plans, while the Flying Christine was out of the water the ambulance service was able to use the St Peter Port lifeboat and the Access Challenger as relief vessels to transport medical teams to the other islands and transfer patients back to Guernsey. We would like to thank the RNLI, the crew of the St Peter Port lifeboat, and the owners of the Access Challenger for their support during this time.

Before going back into service ambulance crews and volunteers undertook a thorough deep clean of the vessel, including the treatment area and the outside of the boat.

Posted: June 1, 2024