Coastguard Rescue Officer Keith Campbell has been recognised for his part in the rescue of four people trapped in water on an incoming tide in Dundrum Bay, County Down on 9 July 2011.
Four teenagers found themselves cut off by the tide and up to their shoulders in water while walking from Ballykinler to Dundrum. They called 999 and whilst the rescue teams were on their way to the scene, Keith, a former Coastguard Rescue got his dinghy into the water and rescued the teenagers from the water.
In total the efforts of five individuals are to be recognised by the award of the Chief Coastguard’s Commendations 2011.
Ian Deakin from the Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team received his award, for saving the life of a 19 year old man from heavy seas at Newhaven, on 8 June 2011.
The team was called to Splash Point near Seaford in East Sussex following a 999 call reporting a man face down in the water. Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team was first to arrive on scene and, realising that time was of the essence, Ian went out and quickly brought the man to shore where he was resuscitated.
The Chief Coastguard’s Commendations have also been awarded to:
Peter Thomson of MRCC Aberdeen for his 25 years of outstanding contribution to the work of HM. Coastguard;
John Kirkpatrick, CRO, for his part in the rescue of two adults and six children who were stranded on a rising tide in Dundrum Inner Bay, County Down on 27 April 2011;
Adrian Sanderson, DSO, for his part in the recovery of a person from the water off Cleethorpes on 19 November 2011.
Rod Johnson, Chief Coastguard said:
"Peter, Ian, John, Adrian and Keith 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."