Peel RNLI volunteers honoured for exceptional lifesaving actions at sea

Peel RNLI is proud to announce that volunteer crew members have been recognised with RNLI commendations for exceptional seamanship, casualty care and teamwork during two demanding rescue operations.

The awards include Chief Executive's Commendations for a complex yacht rescue in severe conditions in 2024 and Medical Director's Commendations following a lifesaving medical response in 2025. Peel Lifeboat Station also presented a certificate to a trainee crew member involved in the 2025 incident.

Yacht rescue in severe conditions
Volunteer Crew Member Juan Owens and Coxswain Mike Faragher have each received a Chief Executive's Commendation, which recognises exceptional seamanship, teamwork and leadership during difficult rescue operations.

The awards relate to their actions during a rescue in August 2024. HM Coastguard requested the immediate launch of Peel RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, following reports that a vessel had sunk and people were in the water, 17 nautical miles west of the station. The crew launched at night into heavy seas and Force 7 winds.

On arrival, the lifeboat crew found a de-masted yacht with three people on board. Conditions made transferring the casualties to Peel's all-weather lifeboat, Frank and Brenda Winter, unsafe. Juan went aboard the yacht alongside a crew member from Donaghadee RNLI. Together, they cleared the damaged mast and rigging, enabling a tow to be established and allowing the yacht and its crew to be brought safely back to Peel.

Lifesaving medical response
Coxswain Mike Faragher and volunteer Crew Members Neil Moore, Will Senior, Jason Spooner and Chloe Spooner, have received the RNLI Medical Director's Commendation, recognising excellence in casualty care and medical response during lifesaving operations.

The award follows an incident in 2025 during which the crew's casualty-care response contributed to saving a life. While carrying out a routine training exercise, the crew heard a critical Mayday call over VHF radio from a small vessel taking on water approximately seven miles away. The exercise immediately became a time-critical emergency, and Frank and Brenda Winter, under Mike's command, made best speed to the scene.

Volunteer Tony Elder, who was on the initial training exercise at the time as a trainee crew member, also supported the crew during the incident. Tony has received a RNLI certificate from the station, recognising his part in the crew response.

These commendations and Tony’s certificate reflect the high standards of training, judgement and teamwork required when RNLI volunteers respond to people facing life-threatening emergencies at sea.

Paul Thompson, Peel RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:

‘These awards recognise some of the very best qualities of our volunteers. The Chief Executive's Commendations highlight exceptional seamanship and determination in extremely challenging conditions, while the Medical Director's Commendations recognise outstanding casualty care when every second counted.

‘We are incredibly proud of everyone involved. Whether launching to rescue people from a disabled yacht or responding to a life-threatening medical emergency, our volunteers apply their training, teamwork and professionalism to help those in need.

‘These commendations are a reflection not only of those recognised, but of the wider crew and supporters who help keep our lifeboat service ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.’

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the coasts of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, made possible by the generosity of its supporters.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Claire Hamer, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.