The RNLI's chief of operations has written to the St Helier lifeboat station expressing thanks for the way in which the crew of the station's new Tyne class lifeboat Alexander Coutanche handled a service during the storm of 25 January 1990.

With winds reaching hurricane Force 12 the lifeboat put to sea after receiving a report from the French rescue authorities that a fishing vessel, Antaeus, had fouled her propeller 16 miles from the station. In quite atrocious conditions the lifeboat found the casualty after more than two hours at sea in waves which were estimated to be up to 60ft high and with visibility at the search area as little as a quarter of a mile.

Antaeus was eventually able to regain power and make her way slowly towards Granville on the French coast, with the lifeboat escorting her for half-an-hour until she was released to return to her station just after 1300..