Landlubber leaves £10,000 to RNLI

A man who it is believed only went to sea once, has left a £10,000 donation to an appeal for a new Jersey lifeboat.

Percy Spencer who died at the age of 92, lived in Melton Mowbray in the UK and never visited Jersey.

But his son Dennis, from Jersey, mentioned to his father that the island was raising money for a new £1.3m Tamar class lifeboat.

Dennis, who runs a catamaran cruising business, said the legacy came as a "pleasant shock".

'Best lifeboat'

He said: "As far as I know, Dad only went to sea once and that was during the war when he was posted to Egypt with the Veterinary Corp.

"He didn't even come to see me in Jersey, as he wasn't that keen on travelling far from home."

St Helier RNLI hopes the new lifeboat will be put on station in 2009.

Its current Tyne class lifeboat, Alexander Coutanche, has been in service for 18 years.

Dennis said: "I'm delighted Dad's legacy will help ensure they have the best possible lifeboat for the job."

Staff from the RNLI in Jersey are receiving instruction to use essential communications systems.

The RNLI has nine training units which provide courses in first aid, radio, radar and navigation, and seamanship.

The training will include a radio system, using touch-screen technology which simulates all types of search and rescue communications.

Jersey crew members are also studying for short and long range radio communications qualifications.

Some members already have certificates but are taking the course as a refresher.