Herm Seaway Marine manager and director Keith Duquemin and engineer Paul Ingrouille help guide the Flying Christine’s engine as it is lifted by crane driver Steve Mourant. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0731917)

MARINE engineers have removed an engine from the marine ambulance Flying Christine III.

Two cracks were found on either side of the turbocharged Caterpillar diesel last week by the Ambulance and Rescue Service’s own engineer during a routine check.

The Flying Christine III was manoeuvred into the Victoria Marina to enable the engine to be lifted out by Herm Seaway Marine engineers, prior to determining what repairs are necessary.

The vessel returned to operations in April after extensive repairs to the hull following an accident in 2006.

It has carried out 54 missions during the last nine months.

Chief ambulance officer Jon Beausire said contingency arrangements had been made for the St Peter Port Lifeboat to provide marine ambulance emergency response, with the Brecqhou vessels and Access Challenger also providing additional cover while Flying Christine III is out of action.