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