The Flying Christine III is going to the Isle of Wight for phase two of its refurbishment and Ambulance and Rescue is hoping islanders can come up with the money needed to repaint the vessel.

Guernsey's marine ambulance was put in service in 1994 with an expected 30-year design life.

St John Ambulance and Rescue Service has decided to invest in a programme of improvements, to extend its operational life by 10 years.

The Flying Christine went away for phase one of refurbishment in summer 2024 and is on its way to the Isle of Wight today (16 January) for phase two.

This includes upgrades to the medical equipment, navigation and communication systems.

The total cost is expected to be around £250,000, which the service says is a fraction of the price of building a replacement vessel.

Ambulance and Rescue's Jim Cathcart says existing charitable funds will cover the essential internal maintenance, but they need around £20,000 for the painting:

"Thirty years ago when it was built, this was absolutely fit for purpose, but things have changed, infection control measures, medical advancements and clinical governance all mean that this has to be completely updated."

The Flying Christine III - Clinical treatment area 

"All of the essential work is covered by existing charitable funds, but because the costs of maintenance are continually escalating, we need some extra money to do the cosmetic work on the outside. That includes bodywork and repainting.

If you look closely it is starting to look a little bit tatty and it really needs a bit of a facelift."

The Flying Christine is due back in Guernsey by Easter, the RNLI and other relief vessels will be used to transport medical teams and transfer patients while she is out of operation.

In 2024 the marine ambulance responded to 32 call outs.

Some of Guernsey's Marine Ambulance team