Horton & Port Eynon Crew Members receive Prestigious Award

Three crew members of the Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat Station were thrilled to receive Commendations from the RNLI for their hard work and professionalism during a January rescue during Storm Eowyn.

The lifeboat had been tasked to go to the aid of seven casualties cut off by the tide at Worms Head Rhossili. The lifeboat had to contend with a very strong swell and high wave conditions in going to Worms Head where the 7 students had been cut off by the rising tide. The students had made an initial attempt to cross the water and had turned back. The lifeboat crew assessed the conditions and made and executed a plan to take the students back to the mainland 2 at a time. The series of transfers was completed successfully and is an example of the excellent seamanship of the crew.

The Commendation also recorded that ‘Throughout the service you demonstrated excellent courage, perseverance and teamwork. Your ongoing determination and commitment to saving lives at sea is greatly appreciated.’

The letters of Commendation were presented to the Crew by the President of the Station Sir Bob Hastie.

Lawrie Grove Lifeboat Operations Manager of the lifeboat station said:-

‘ The presentation had been kept under wraps and was a complete surprise to the 3 of them. The rescue was a difficult and challenging one when they needed all of their skill and training. We are extremely proud of them. It is measure of their down to earth nature and humility that the crew were keen to stress that they are part of a Team at the station and could not do their job without the support and hard work of everyone at the station.’

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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