The bravery of four members of Bangor lifeboat crew on Belfast Lough has been recognised by the RNLI for a rescue on Christmas Day 2021.
Helmsman John Bell and crew Gavin Mitchell, Johnny Gedge, and Ewan Rathbone-Scott have all been awarded for their actions on the day, resulting in a life being saved.
It was just before 11am on Christmas Day 2021 that the pagers went off, and as always, the volunteer crew dropped everything to get to the lifeboat station as quickly as they could - leaving children playing with toys, preparations for lunch under way, and the usual chaos on such a busy day.
A Christmas Day swimmer at Helen's Bay was in difficulty, having lost his footing and was being carried into the lough.
As the first four to arrive at the station, John and his crew were in the Atlantic Class lifeboat ‘Jessie Hillyard’ and on their way to Helen’s Bay just seven minutes after the pagers went off.
John Bell, Ewan Rathbone-Scott, Gavin Mitchell, Johnny Gedge on Christmas Day 2021 after the rescue Photo: Mark Johnston
The crew arrived just in time to see the swimmer, his strength sapped by the cold, slipping under the water. They knew just what to do because this is what they train for. In difficult conditions, helmsman John Bell brought the Jessie Hillyard as close to shore as he could in the Force 7 wind and choppy sea, well aware that there were dangerous rocks nearby, while Ewan Rathbone-Scott and Gavin Mitchell entered the water to grab hold of the swimmer and bring him safely back to the boat. Once Johnny and John had helped get the casualty and crew aboard, they returned to Bangor lifeboat station where an ambulance and the air ambulance were waiting to take the swimmer to hospital.
Bryan Lawther, who was Lifeboat Operation Manager at the time, says “It was clear to us on the day that without the swift response and bravery on scene, a life would have been lost. We are delighted to say that after a full and rigorous process the RNLI board agreed, and has made these awards.”
Each member of the crew has been awarded a personalised Gallantry Award signed by the RNLI’s Chairman.
A life was saved that day - thanks to the four crew on the boat and the many others who turned up to help launch the boat, and who waited to clean her down and return her to service ready for the next call.
Bryan Lawther added "This wasn't a Christmas miracle - this was dedication, training and commitment from an amazing bunch of volunteers who keep the waters around us safer - as well as the support of all the other rescue services who took part that day."
John Bell said “We always hope for the pagers to stay silent at Christmas, but if they do go off, we will be there. However, all of this costs money, and if you can, we would ask you to think of your local lifeboat station - we really can't do it without your help."
