Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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CHIEF COASTGUARD’S COMMENDATIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN 2009
The efforts of six individuals during 2009 are to be recognised by the award of the Chief Coastguards Commendations.
Ian Grant , Coastguard Rescue Officer, of South Queensferry Coastguard Rescue Team for the rescue of two girls from the River Almond on 23 rd August 2008. When the team arrived they found the girls clinging to the bank. Ian forded the river and secured the girls to wait for rescue by helicopter. Ian continued to look after the girls whilst they waited for rescue, even shielding them from dislodged tree branches as the rescue helicopter hovered overhead.
Richard Morris and Douglas Tapp of Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team for their part in saving the life of a man who had jumped into the River Arun on the 6 th May 2009. He was pulled lifeless from the water and was tended to by Richard, and paramedics for over an hour before he was stable enough to be transferred to hospital. Richard and Douglas showed considerable skill and determination in their efforts in difficult conditions. Resuscitation is a physically demanding task requiring great concentration and dexterity, and to keep going for an hour is exceptional.
Darren Keal of Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team for the rescue of a man trapped at the foot of 80 metre high cliffs, in storm conditions, on the 6 th November 2009. Despite gusting winds, driving rain and 2 metre seas, in which the helicopter couldn’t operate, Darren volunteered to be the cliff man. In failing light and awful conditions he was lowered down to the casualty and after some 35 minutes the man was recovered to safety. Darren’s courage made the difference between life and death for the man.
Andy Roberts Sector Manager, East Kent for services to the Coastguard Rescue Service and to the community of East Kent. He has shown exceptional leadership of the volunteer coastguards in his sector and more widely in the region. He has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged young people in East Kent, using his considerable energy, diplomacy, and extensive network of contacts. Andy’s leadership and influence has done much to promote the aims and image of HM Coastguard in the south east of England, and he is a role model for sector managers everywhere.
Brett Cunningham Coastal Safety Manager, South West Scotland and Northern Ireland, for services to Search and Rescue in Ireland. Brett has spent much of his service in Northern Ireland and has worked tirelessly to foster and maintain close working arrangements with the Irish Coast Guard in the spirit of SOLAS and the Hamburg Convention. This has benefited both mariners and coastal users in and around the whole of Ireland.
Rod Johnson, Chief Coastguard said:
“Ian, Richard, Douglas, Darren, Andy and Brett have acted in the highest traditions of the service.
“In commending these officers I’d also like to take the opportunity to recognise the outstanding work done by all of our officers every day and often in the face of adversity. Well done, and thank you.”
Contacts:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office
Phone: 023 8032 9401
NDS.MCGA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
