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Anglesey RNLI Crewmen Commended For Climber Rescue

Lifeboats News Release

Two Anglesey RNLI volunteers have been officially recognised for their efforts during the dramatic rescue of a climber last June.

RNLI/Vicki Owens

RNLI crewmen Mike Doran (left) and Mark Wade with their Commendation Certificates

Mark Wade from Holyhead RNLI, and Mike Doran, who was with Trearddur Bay RNLI, spent seven hours on a small hazardous rock ledge treating the climber, after he fell almost 60ft on cliffs in Gogarth Bay near North Stack on June 1st last year.

The climber, known as Jon, who was climbing with a companion on the day, sustained substantial injuries, and was saved by the efforts of both lifeboat volunteers, and the rest of the crews working with them that evening.

As well as the two lifeboat stations, the call also involved cliff rescue volunteers and the HM Coastguard helicopter, in what became one of both crews’ longest rescues of 2024.

Today (Thursday February 6) RNLI Head of Region for Wales and West, Jo Partner, presented both men with Medical Director Commendation certificates, citing their ‘determination and commitment’ as being intrinsic to saving the casualty’s life.

The presentation, held at Holyhead lifeboat station, was also attended by other RNLI personnel and several other crew members who attended the rescue last year.

David Owens, Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) at Holyhead RNLI, said:

‘Congratulations to Mark and Mike for this very well-deserved recognition. Their casualty care, skill and resilience on that day was exemplary. There was a huge team effort by both crews, and all other agencies involved, to ensure they could carry out their work on the cliff face, which ultimately led to a really good outcome for the casualty.’

RNLI/Vicki Owens

Mark Wade receives his award from Jo Partner, Wales and West Head of Region

RNLI/Vicki Owens

Mike Doran receives his award from Jo Partner, Wales and West Head of Region

RNLI/Vicki Owens

Mike Doran, Mark Wade and Jo Partner with other crew who attended the call last JUne

RNLI/Vicki Owens

The Medical Director Recognition certificate, presented to both men on Thursday

RNLI

The dramatic rescue in June last year

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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