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Porthcawl RNLI volunteers awarded for lifesaving rescue of surfer

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI volunteers from Porthcawl have been presented with awards for their courage, selflessness and determination in rescuing a surfer in challenging conditions

RNLI helmsman Christopher Missen has been presented with a Chairman’s Letter of Thanks and volunteer crew members Christopher Kitney, Angharad Masson and Ryan Lecraw have received a Lifesaving Operations Director Commendation.

The awards were presented at an event on Saturday evening in recognition of a rescue in January 2020.

Porthcawl RNLI’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched following a request from Milford Haven Coastguard. The Coastguard had received reports of a surfer in difficulty close to Monk Nash, having been swept along the coast by the strong tide and large swell.

Porthcawl’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched with helm Christopher Missen, and crew members Christopher Kitney, Angharad Masson and Ryan Lecraw on board.

The weather was very unusual for Porthcawl, thick fog combined with a large ground swell of up to three metres and very little wind made the transit to the last known location challenging. After arriving on scene, a request was made to Milford Haven Coastguard for helicopter assistance due to the large surf hitting the shore and the known underwater rocks posing a risk to the lifeboat. The helicopter was unable to respond due to the fog.

Arriving on scene, the helm assessed the situation from outside of the surf line making an initial approach towards the surfer to make contact and communicate his intentions, constantly manoeuvring the Atlantic 85 head to sea to punch through the breaking surf.

Repeatedly helmsman Missen brought the Atlantic 85 into the surf until the casualty surfer could paddle into deep enough water to rendezvous with the lifeboat.

Martin Double, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager said:

‘The crew members onboard demonstrated excellent teamwork and communication throughout the attempts to recover the casualty. Contact was finally made with the casualty, but instantly the lifeboat was required to punch through a wave. The direct contact was initially lost, however, the helm skilfully held the lifeboat to enable a swift recovery of the casualty aboard.

‘With the casualty aboard, the lifeboat departed the scene and returned to station where an ambulance was waiting to assess the casualty.’

For his leadership, decision making and boat handling skills in challenging conditions and limited sea room, a Chairman’s Letter of Thanks was awarded to helmsman Christopher Missen. For their integral part in the lifesaving service a Lifesaving Operations Director Commendation was awarded to crew members Christopher Kitney, Angharad Masson, and Ryan Lecraw.

Martin Double added:

‘This was a difficult rescue in the most challenging conditions. Thanks to the actions of the helm and his crew, the Porthcawl RNLI team undoubtedly saved the life of the surfer that day. I’m delighted that they have received this award in recognition of their courage, selflessness and determination, which is so very well deserved.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager in Wales and the North West on 07886 668829. Alternatively, please call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or email [email protected].

Stephen Jones

Christopher Missen, and crew members Christopher Kitney and Angharad Masson

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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