Barry Dock RNLI volunteers recognised with RNLI Medical Director Commendation
Six volunteer crew members of Barry Dock RNLI have been recognised for their professionalism, calm decision-making and outstanding casualty care during a complex rescue on Flat Holm Island earlier this year.
At our Christmas carol service this week, we proudly recognised the teamwork and care of six of our volunteer crew who managed a particularly challenging incident earlier this year. In the height of summer, on one of our busiest days, Barry Dock Lifeboat crew were tasked to Flat Holm Island to assist a casualty with a serious back injury.
On arrival, the crew immediately assessed the situation and understood that even the slightest movement could cause lasting harm to the casualty. Acting carefully and methodically, the crew evaluated the situation, provided pain relief and meticulously secured the casualty in a stretcher for safe extraction. Bringing the casualty aboard the lifeboat, they made-way back to the mainland, continuing to assess and provide medical care, offering reassurance and keeping the casualty as comfortable as possible. Thanks to the crew’s dedication, the casualty avoided any life-changing injuries.
After seven hours on service, the crew returned to the station, replenished the lifeboat and prepared for whatever might come next, just as they always do. The determination and commitment to delivering excellent casualty care and saving lives at sea is recognised and truly represents the values of the RNLI.
During the carol service, Coxswain Andy and volunteer crew member Ben accepted an RNLI Medical Director Commendation on behalf of all six crew members involved: Andy, Ben, Dan S, Marc, Dan B, and Emma.
Andy Gavan, Barry Dock Coxswain said:
‘This was a tough shout in a very awkward and difficult location, the crew worked together seamlessly as a team, as they train hard for. Our focus throughout was keeping the casualty safe and preventing further harm, doing everything we could do to avoid any further injury, while also looking out for each other’s safety. Working with care, patience, selflessness and compassion, I am genuinely proud of our crew and their enduring commitment, with our good wishes to the casualty’s recovery.”
A heartfelt thank you to every volunteer who answered the call that day and every day. If you see anybody in difficulty in the water, don’t forget, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editor - Key Information About the Barry Dock Lifeboat Station:
· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station has been saving lives since 1901, and in July 2024, the station opened its new state-of-the-art facility.
· The RNLI Visitor Experience, opened in 2017, was one of the UK’s first RNLI drowning prevention centres, focusing on beach safety education for families.
· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station operates as part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity that saves lives at sea.
· The RNLI provides a 24-hour search and rescue service across the UK and Ireland.
· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station operates an all-weather lifeboat and an inshore D-class lifeboat, providing search and rescue services along the Vale of Glamorgan coast.
For further information, please contact:
Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889. Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.