Silver Medal awarded to Mr Henry Hildebrand, Mr EH Blake and Mr Thomas Fleming.
During a thick fog and heavy breakers on the 6th September 1854, Mr Hildebrand, Mr EH Blake and Mr Fleming proceeded to the rescue of the Prince of Seas of Glasgow, having heard the cries of passengers (in all 200 people) and saved the vessel from being a total wreck, between Sunderland and Boffin Island.
Read More
The LADY SWAYTHLING Trophy awarded to Coxswain John Stewart of RNLI Campbeltown Lifeboat for the rescue of the crew of FV Sincerity on 29 November 2000.
The early evening of 29 November 2000 saw the Sincerity at sea in the sound of Bute when the boat suffered engine failure. With no power to battle against the raging seas, the boat was quickly swept onto nearby rocks. The two-member crew attempted to launch the liferaft – but the violent wind ripped it from their grasp. With the engine room flooded and with no electrical power, the skipper used his mobile phone for the mayday call. The nearest lifeboat capable of operating in such appalling conditions was at Campbeltown 30 miles south. lt proceeded at full speed with Coxswain Stewart in command. The SAR helicopter monitoring the situation reported it was unable to remain on location due to extreme wind turbulence near the stranded vessel. Arriving on the scene, the lifeboat’s Coxswain found the Sincerity firmly grounded on rocks 75 yards from the shore. An hour later, having tried a number of rescue manoeuvres without success, the tide was rising with heavy rolling seas breaking over the fishing vessel – the situation was becoming critical. With more water under the keel Coxswain Stewart attempted to come in alongside the stern of Sincerity. lt took three attempts, but at last the lifeboat was manoeuvred close enough for the fisherman to jump from the stricken vessel where he was grabbed by the waiting lifeboat crew members. lt took three further attempts in the atrocious conditions before the skipper also managed to jump across to safety.
Throughout this rescue Coxswain Stewart demonstrated leadership, determination and seamanship skills of the highest order truly meriting the award of the Lady Swaythling Trophy.
Read More
On 28 July 2014, the crew of ‘Rescue 01’ were tasked to go to the assistance of a fisherman lost overboard from the fishing vessel Venturer, 60 nautical miles North East of East Falkland.
Given the immediate need to recover the fisherman before hypothermia set in, and having taken stock of the atrocious weather and pitch black night, ‘R01’ an RAF Sea King from 1564 Flt, Mount Pleasant launched at 1940.
On departure, Flt Lt Ian Campbell (the aircraft Pilot and Captain) immediately recognised that there was no prospect of a direct over-land transit due to the low cloud, high terrain and freezing conditions which would have prevented him from climbing the aircraft. He took an easterly over-water route working closely with the Radar/Winch Operator, Sgt Mike Boissier-Wyles and Co-Pilot, Flt Lt Tom Greene, to remain clear of land before turning onto a direct track to head for the search area. En-route, information of a possible sighting of the casualty was received via a Hercules transport aircraft that was operating on-scene as a communications relay.
Ian Campbell directed the radar operator to determine the open-water drift using a known point of entry into the water and this sighting. A start point 6 nm south west of the original location was determined along with a line of advance for the search. On scene at 2100 the crew encountered low cloud, torrential rain and with no ambient light the visibility was down to 200 metres.
In the total darkness the night vision goggles were performing poorly and with no observable horizon, Ian Campbell was forced to fly with greater reference to instruments and rely on his searchlight. With sea state 8 and 50 kts of wind, the probability of locating the casualty in the 45 ft swells was very low. However at 2140 on their second sweep of the area the casualty was sighted 30 metres ahead of the aircraft. With the casualty found, the Pilot decided to hover at 80 ft to allow sufficient clearance from the rapidly changing wave peaks.
The standard procedure for this type of recovery at night is for the aircraft to be manoeuvred by the winch operator via autopilot with the aircraft at 50ft; but Ian Campbell recognised that the autopilot could not maintain a stable hover in the atrocious conditions and consequently elected to conduct a manual hover at a higher height than normal. With severe sea conditions and a winching height of 80 ft, Sergeant Dan Allanson, the Winchman, showed no hesitation in leaving the aircraft to assist a casualty whose chances of being alive were assessed as slim given the length of time he had been in the near freezing water (4 degrees C).
On entering the water Dan was immediately submerged as changes in wave height outpaced the maximum speed of the aircraft winch. On resurfacing, the lashing spray and crashing wave peaks presented a daunting challenge. Dan Allanson’s courage in these conditions cannot be underestimated and combined with the skill of the winch operator, Mike Boissier-Wyles and Ian Campbell’s exceptional flying accuracy, he was delivered to the casualty on the first attempt.
The physical effort of man-handling a large casualty in the 45 ft swell proved to be highly demanding and with the violent wave motion the winch cable became wrapped around Dan Allanson’s legs. He was forced to release the casualty to free himself from this entanglement. In doing this and then reconnecting with the casualty and recovering him to the aircraft, Dan showed exceptional determination, strength and stamina.
The physical and mental demands placed on him within this extremely violent and chilling environment were enormous. He was immersed for almost 15 minutes. On entering the cabin and without time to recover, Dan and Mike immediately began to provide life support to the casualty. Flying through atrocious weather conditions the fisherman was delivered to King Edward Memorial Hospital, Port Stanley, at 2210 where sadly he subsequently died. The difficulties faced by this crew go far beyond those which it is possible to train for.
Indeed, the meteorological conditions experienced during this rescue were as poor as anyone could expect to encounter during an entire career in Search and Rescue. Under the calm leadership of Ian Campbell his crew demonstrated outstanding professionalism, teamwork, determination and bravery.
Read More
The Society’s Silver Medal was awarded to Captain Abraham Martin of the brigantine Albion of Guernsey for his skill, humanity and courage in rescuing 10 crew from the Jane of Whitby and the Superb of Yarmouth, during a very severe gale and cross sea on 27th & 29th October 1860.
A letter was read from Mr Waddington Esq enclosing (per order of Sir George Lewis, Secretary of State) to the Royal Humane Society, which not coming within the rules, was sent on to this Institution, a letter from the President of the Chamber of Commerce forwarded through the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey calling attention to the gallant conduct of Captain Abraham Martin of the brigantine Albion of Guernsey in saving the crew, 10 in number of the Jane of Whitby and of the Superb of Yarmouth.
It appeared that these gallant services in the cause of humanity were rendered during a very severe gale and cross sea on the 27th and 29th of October 1860, in the North Sea when much nautical skill was exhibited by Captain Martin in handling his vessel. He made six attempts to pick up the small boat of the Albion under charge of the Captain of the Jane who volunteered to make one attempt to go to the help of the Captain, his wife (nearly exhausted) and crew of the Superb, and with great difficulty accomplished their errand of mercy. Another vessel, a foreigner, ran by them the same day leaving them to perish. It was stated also that Captain Martin had under Providence been the means of rescuing five crews. The Silver Medal of the Institution is awarded to Captain Abraham Martin for the humanity and courage displayed by him on these occasions.
Read More
The Society Marine Aneroid Barometer was awarded to the Master of fishing vessel Victory of Ramsgate for the rescue of 5 crew from the sinking Norwegian brigantine Magda, on 26 October 1884 during a heavy sea. Mate Henry P Britton and third hand John Blackman who manned the boat the sum of £2 each.
In the case of the fv Victory, for rescue of five of the crew of the Norwegian brigantine Magda, about 55 miles W by N of Lowestoft, on October 26 1884, during a heavy sea, the Norwegian vessel being in danger of foundering, with pumps choked, and since supposed to have gone down with Captain and Mate. To the Master, John Turner – the Society’s Marine Aneroid Presentation Barometer; to the Mate, Henry Parker Britton, in boat – the pecuniary reward of the sum of three pounds; to the third hand John Blackman, also in boat, the pecuniary reward of the sum of two pounds.
Read More
The EDWARD AND MAISIE LEWIS award made to Lt Michael Langley and crew of RN Sea King from 772 Naval Air Squadron for the rescue of 10 crew of the mv Igloo Lion, which was sinking in severe weather on 25 October 1992.
On 25 October 1992, the Igloo Lion began taking on water in severe weather 5 miles north west of Guernsey, and shortly after sunset suffered a main mechanical and electrical failure due to the rising flood in the engine room. A RN Sea King helicopter, was diverted from an earlier rescue in the vicinity to assist. On arrival at the scene, the Igloo Lion was found to be drifting, beam-on to large breaking seas, towards a lee shore. In darkness and storm force winds the ship was rolling violently and lurching bodily up and down on the waves.
The ship’s Master requested that his frightened and exhausted crew be airlifted to safety. In the prevailing circumstances the only possible evacuation point was the top of some wooden pallets stowed on deck very close to the ship’s superstructure. As it was, in darkness with the dimly lit ship providing very poor visual references for the Pilot, and in a severe storm with the aircraft constantly in danger from the wildly swinging masts and rigging, hovering over the transfer point was extremely difficult and hazardous, particularly for a single Pilot crew. Petty Officer Aircrewman Rogers was lowered onto the vessel to supervise the evacuation by the hi-line method. Despite at one stage being pinned to the ship’s guardrail by a wooden crate entangled in the hi-line, his courage and stamina gave confidence to the ship’s crew throughout the long and difficult airlift. On one occasion, the aircraft rotor blades struck a thin radio whip aerial but it was possible to continue the rescue. After 40 minutes of precise and arduous hovering the 10 members of the ship’s crew were lifted to safety and landed at Guernsey airport for medical attention.
This was a highly audacious rescue in the most appalling conditions, requiring exceptional flying skills. Being conducted at night it was outside 772 Squadron’s normal operational tasking. Throughout the rescue the aircraft crew displayed a high degree of professionalism, teamwork and calmness under pressure. Their outstanding performance and selfless courage are worthy of the highest commendation. The helicopter crew was Lt Michael Langley, POACM Adrian Rogers and Leading ACM Brian Buggins.
Read More
Emile Robin Award presented to Captain Arthur Lawrence and Chief Officer Ernest Albert Small of the SS Newminster of Newcastle-upon-Tyne for the rescue of several of the crew of the SS Leo, 25th July 1940.
Several enemy aircraft attacked a British Convoy off Dover. The Leo was hit by several bombs and sank at once. The Newminster was also under attack, but her Master, seeing the desperate plight of the Leo, sent a lifeboat with a volunteer crew to rescue the survivors. This boat was manned by the Chief Officer, a Steward, Donkeyman and an AB, and saved several lives, 11 being rescued in all. The crew of 4 in the lifeboat persisted in their brave work of rescue regardless of falling bombs and of the machine gunning to which they were subjected by the German aircraft. (Chief Officer Small was also made an MBE).
Read More
Emile Robin award to Helmsman Aileen Jones of the Porthcawl Lifeboat for rescuing crew of the FV Gower Pride on 24 August 2004.
At 1100 on 24 August 2004, the Porthcawl lifeboat station was informed that the nine metre fishing vessel Gower Pride was in difficulty in the vicinity of the Nash sandbank. Her engine had failed and she was being set onto the bank by near gale force winds on a flood tide. The skipper and one injured crewman were onboard.
At 1118 RNLB Giles, an Atlantic 75 was launched with Helmsman Aileen Jones in command and three crew. The exact location of the Gower Pride was unclear. With wind force seven to gale force eight from the south west and a three metre swell the lifeboat made good speed towards the casualty’s reported position but it was not until the lifeboat was north of the Nash sandbank that the Gower Pride was sighted to the south of the sandbank rolling heavily and shipping water over the bow in heavy broken seas and surf.
As the lifeboat approached the eastern end of the sandbank the sea became very steep and confused requiring all Helmsman Jones’ boat handling skills to safely manoeuvre the lifeboat through standing waves of up to four metres. At 1138 while heading west along the south side of the Nash sandbank Helmsman Jones requested the Mumbles lifeboat be launched as the weather condition on the bank were appalling. With great skill Helmsman Jones manoeuvred the lifeboat close to the Gower Pride and a towline was thrown across and attached at 1151. With the casualty under-tow, slow progress was being made despite the rough seas when the towline parted and the Gower Pride immediately began drifting towards the Nash sandbank. The seas were very broken with 3-4 metre standing waves. Running down sea Helmsman Jones demonstrated exceptional skill in safely turning alongside the Gower Pride and despite the atrocious conditions holding the lifeboat alongside while crewman Emms jumped onboard the casualty with the towline and secured it. He then treated the injured man.
By now the Mumbles lifeboat had arrived on scene and the tow was, with some considerable difficulty, transferred to the Tyne class vessel.
After helping to berth the Gower Pride the Porthcawl lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service again at 1430. The conditions in which this rescue was carried out were at the limits of the Atlantic 75’s capability and the crew faced significant risks throughout this service. But for their skill and courage under the leadership of Helmsman Jones the Gower Pride and her crew might have been lost.
Read More
EDWARD AND MAISIE LEWIS award to Lt Cdr Martin Ford AFC and the crew of ‘Rescue 193’ from 771 Naval Air Squadron for the rescue of a critically ill fisherman from the Spanish fv Madre Querida on the night of 23 October 2005.
On the night of 23 October 2005 ‘Rescue 193’ from 771 Naval Air Squadron, based at Culdrose, was tasked to help a critically ill fisherman from the Spanish fishing vessel, Madre Querida, 240 nautical miles southwest of Culdrose, at the limit of the aircraft’s range. The sea state on scene was assessed as 7.
The crew consisted of Lieutenant Commander Martin Ford AFC (Aircraft Commander and Observer), Lieutenant Garry Wappner (First Pilot), Lieutenant David-John Gibbs (Co-pilot) and Petty Officer Aircrewman Stuart Worley. The weather was extremely poor with visibility less than 500 metres in fog with the cloud base at 100ft and a south-westerly wind of 35kts gusting 50kts. Needing to refuel at the Scilly Isles it took two attempts to land with visibility down to 200 metres, and then the aircraft developed a fault in its fuel gauging system and had to return to Culdrose. A swift aircraft change was followed by another refuelling stop at St Mary’s, and this was only the prelude to the sortie as they battled against fierce headwinds to reach the fishing vessel.
Arriving on scene they found the Madre Querida pitching and rolling wildly in a combined swell and sea of 6-8 metres. Maintaining a stable hover in the poor visibility with no discernable horizon and with very high radio masts along the length of the vessel was itself challenging enough without language difficulties compounding the problem. It was decided to attempt a hi-line transfer to the port quarter. Conditions were on the absolute limits for winch operations with much of the vessel obscured by driving spray. Petty Officer Aircrewman Worley was lowered to a safe height above the water by Lieutenant Commander Ford, the Winch Operator, but with the vessel bucking violently as it fell into the troughs it took 25 minutes, numerous attempts, skilful teamwork and exceptional flying skills to put him on deck.
The casualty who was assessed as having suffered a stroke was, with some difficulty, prepared for transfer and then recovered to the aircraft. The return journey was equally fraught with all airfields reporting poor visibility and cloud on the deck. A low-level approach using the aircraft’s radar was made into Falmouth Bay and the subsequent transit to the hospital at Treliske required the use of night vision goggles. Fortunately a further refuelling stop at St Mary’s was not required. Eventually ‘Rescue 193’ returned to Culdrose at 0100 with limited fuel after a 7-hour sortie.
Teamwork, determination, exceptional flying skill and courage ensured that a critically ill fisherman was safely brought to hospital and it is this that the Society marks with the Edward and Maisie Lewis award.
Read More
The EDWARD AND MAISIE LEWIS award to the crews of Sea Kings Search & Rescue 190 & 191 of B Flight 202 Squadron RAF Brawdy for the rescue of the crew of mv Kowloon Bridge on 22 November 1986.
On the evening of 22 November 1986, two Sea King SAR helicopters, call signs ‘Rescue 190’ and ‘Rescue 191’, deployed to Cork airport to standby for the possible evacuation of the crew of a fishing vessel which was in difficulty some 125 miles off the lrish coast. By 2300 it had become clear that the fishing vessel was no longer in danger and did not require helicopter assistance. However, at 2315 the Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre at Shannon tasked both ‘Rescue 190’ and ‘191-‘ to go to the aid of the 168,000 ton bulk carrier Kowloon Bridge which had transmitted a mayday call, reporting she had lost steerage, was shipping water and was in danger of foundering 10 miles off Mizzen Head. The Captain was intending to abandon ship immediately, but was persuaded by Valencia Radio to stay on board and await the rescue helicopters.
The weather forecast for the Mizzen Head area included a warning of violent storm force 11 conditions, with frequent heavy showers or rain, hail or snow. After a difficult transit, ‘Rescue 190’ arrived alongside the Kowloon Bridge at 0015, closely followed by ‘Rescue 191.’. On scene, the wind was 50- 60 kts, gusting to 75 kts – conditions of extreme danger for the Sea Kings, which were not normally permitted to operate in wind speeds exceeding 45 kts. Moreover, the sea was very rough and the vessel was lying beam on to the wind and swell. Her bow was submerged and waves were breaking over the whole length of the deck, which was pitching and rolling violently in the heavy seas. The crew of the ship was sheltering just forward of the main superstructure and storm lines had been rigged from there to the number 8 hatch cover, which was to be used as the winching point. ‘Rescue 190’ moved over the winching area, placed the Winchman on the deck and recovered 14 seamen aboard the helicopter in pairs before moving away. ‘Rescue 191’ then edged in towards the vessel, but a combination of ship and aircraft movement in the appalling conditions resulted in the Winchman being swung into the side of the number 8 hatch cover. He sustained injuries later diagnosed as a broken bone in his left hand and bruising to his back. However, in spite of being in considerable discomfort, he ensured that the 14 remaining seamen were winched aboard the helicopter before being recovered himself. ‘Rescue 190’ and ‘191’ left the scene at 0105 and arrived at Cork at 0135 with all 28 crew members aboard and uninjured.
The actions of the crews of both helicopters in successfully rescuing the entire crew were of the highest professional standard, particularly in view of the fact that the operation was carried out in darkness and in extreme weather conditions. The skill, determination and courage shown by both crews was in the best traditions of the RAF and merits the highest praise.
Read More