Two members of Cullercoats lifeboat crew have won one of the RNLI’s top awards and two of their colleagues have commendations for their part in a rescue below the cliffs at Tynemouth Castle, which took place in the early hours of 15 June 2011.
The actions of Grahame Wood and Ross Dunn have been recognised by them both receiving the RNLI’s Exceptional First Aid Certificate. This award is rarely made, having been presented on only seven occasions since its introduction in 2004.
Their colleagues, Robert Oliver and Tom Carr, have each received a letter from the RNLI’s Chief Executive, Paul Boissier, commending their part in the rescue earlier this year.
The RNLI’s North Division Inspector, Andy Clift, reported on the service by the Cullercoats inshore lifeboat during the early hours of 15 June 2011, when a young man’s life was saved in the following terms:
‘Cullercoats lifeboat, Hylton Burdon, was launched at 2.10am with Robert Oliver at the helm, and Tom Carr, Grahame Wood and Ross Dunn as crew. The weather was cloudy, the winds were southerly force 3, and the seas were smooth with a two metre swell. Although the moon was full, it was very low and obscured by the clouds. The police were searching for a young man who had been reported missing and had located him on the rocky shore near to Tynemouth Priory. A police helicopter had also been deployed. Helmsman Oliver positioned the lifeboat as close to the shore as was safe amidst the breaking seas and the area was illuminated by the lifeboat’s searchlights.
‘The police helicopter located the man, who appeared to be face down and apparently unconscious. The lifeboat could not veer down or approach the rocks, but was taken as close as possible so that Grahame Wood and Ross Dunn could swim ashore, where they removed the man from a deep pool of water and began immediate CPR. They were subsequently joined by first one, and then a second member of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, who had more medical equipment including oxygen. As the sea was breaking over the rocks and washing around the casualty, the four rescuers moved him further away from the water. When the oxygen began to run low, the lifeboat came close in again and Grahame Wood swam back out to collect the lifeboat’s bottle of oxygen. Eventually a rescue helicopter arrived and the man was evacuated to hospital. Grahame and Ross waited until the other two rescuers had been recovered. For a third time the lifeboat closed the shore enabling Grahame and Ross to swim back out to the lifeboat, which then returned to station.
‘As well as the high quality casualty care delivered, this service witnessed excellent team work, inter-agency co-operation and good use of the crew’s local knowledge, seamanship and boat handling skills.’
Cullercoats Lifeboat Operations Manager Frank Taylor said: ‘We are delighted that the efforts of the crew have been recognised by the RNLI in this manner. The successful outcome of this rescue is a direct result of their dedication and training. Congratulations to all concerned.’
The awards will be presented at a local ceremony in the near future.
Date: 08/12/2011
Author: Brian Reeds, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
