Dungeness RNLI crew member honoured with BBC award

Garry Clark, a volunteer crew member at Dungeness lifeboat station, has been recognised in the Coastal Rescue category at the BBC 999 awards for his part in the rescue of a yacht in force 9 gales earlier this year.

At the ceremony, broadcast last night (Thursday 16 August) on BBC One, Garry was presented with the award for his exemplary bravery and determination during the rescue of seven people from the yacht Liquid Vortex on 3 January 2012.

Garry played a critical role in saving seven lives during a rescue, which took place in fierce storms and involved Garry being transferred to the yacht in the rough seas. Garry worked closely with his fellow crew members onboard the Dungeness all-weather lifeboat and the crew of the Dover lifeboat which joined in the rescue effort.

Garry said: ‘It was a real surprise to even be nominated for the award, so to win it was amazing. I’d like to accept the award on behalf of the whole of Dungeness lifeboat crew – saving lives at sea is a team effort and this rescue in particular called for everyone on the lifeboat, at the station and on Dover RNLI lifeboat to work together.’

Presented by Lenny Henry and Kirsty Young, The BBC 999 Awards recognise the work of the UK's emergency services. This is the first time the awards have been presented and the ceremony marks the 75th anniversary of the 999 emergency number, which came into action in 1937.

The awards acknowledge the heroic acts that the officers and volunteers of the emergency services perform on a daily basis, highlighting individuals and teams whose actions have exceeded the call of duty to help save lives and ensure the public's safety.

Notes to editors

• Photo attached shows Garry Clark, volunteer crew member on Dungeness lifeboat at BBC 999 award nominee. Credit RNLI/Nigel Millard

Media contacts

For more information please contact Isla Reynolds, Public Relations Officer, on 01202 663127 or 07899 076224 or by email at isla_reynolds@rnli.org.uk.