The St Helier RNLI crew needed to help their own vessel to safety last night (3 October), following a fire onboard the all weather lifeboat.
A fire was discovered in the George Sullivan's engine room after the lifeboat suffered an 'unforeseeable' mechanical problem.
It had been on a shout at the time, but needed to be recovered by the inshore lifeboat.
The RNLI confirmed that the crew are 'fine' and managed the situation.
"RNLI volunteer crews train for a range of scenarios, including mechanical issues, and are prepared for such eventualities."
The cause of the fire is being investigated and the George Sullivan is out of service.
The Jersey Lifeboat Association's Sir Max Aitken III responded to the original Mayday call.
It searched Les Minquiers Reef, along with the Lion's Pride CI Air Search plane, but both were stood down when nothing was found.

Jersey community unites out west for solar eclipse
A-level results day: "The grades you get don't define you"
Invite to 'Sponsor a Brave Bear' for families facing off-island treatment
Travel problems persist for some Jersey residents
The solar eclipse in Jersey: All you need to know
£1.2m in fines for missed Income Tax deadline
One in eight Jersey heatwaves has happened this year
Hydration breaks to be introduced at Battle of Flowers