Seven lifeboat volunteers from Alderney have been awarded special certificates for rescuing two men and a dog in perilous weather conditions.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) members Declan Gaudion, Steve Wright, Dean Geran, Paul Fairclough, Brian Frost, Mark Gaudion and Victoria McAllister were each given a memento at a ceremony attended by Admiral Sir Jock Slater, chairman of the RNLI.
The daring rescue of Southampton men George Manse and Kevin Payne, as well as their dog Daisy, took place 12 miles off the coast of Alderney on July 4 last year.
Coastguards in France and Guernsey sent out an SOS shortly after midnight and coxswain Mr Gaudion launched Alderney's trench lifeboat Roy Barker I at 12.15am.
Alderney's crew had to battle force eight gales but eventually tracked down Abundance, a motor fishing vessel, and immediately attempted to pump water from the boat.
Unfortunately the crew was unable to save the stricken vessel, so deputy cox Mr Wright and crew member Mr Geran bravely decided to board the boat in order to save those on board.
Sir Jock praised the crew's professionalism and dedication during Thursday evening's ceremony at the Georgian House.
He said: "It was a textbook example of the professionalism and dedication of lifeboat volunteers."
Mr Gaudion, Mr Wright and Mr Geran each received a Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum. The four other crew members were awarded Vellum Service Certificates.
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on
Tuesday, 23rd February 2024 and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors.
Wed 23rd October 2024 St Anne’s School PTA cordially invite Alderney residents to the exclusive premier of our promotional video for St Anne’s School- directed by the inimitable film maker- Cam Cairnduff, at 6.00pm, in St. Anne’s School Hall, on Wednesday, the 23rd of October, 2024.
Cheese and wine will be available, along with an opportunity to purchase a selection of bespoke Christmas gifts, hand-crafted by the pupils of St. Anne’s School.
As numbers are limited, should you wish to join us and celebrate this ‘milestone moment’ for our wonderful school and island, please RSVP, at your earliest convenience, to:
STAoffice@education.gg
, St Anne's School, 18:00