The Lydd-based helicopter team were presented with the International Ocean Safety Award by the International Association of Cape Horners at their annual lunch in Portsmouth on 22 November.
The accolade was for a rescue at Newhaven, Sussex, on 4 July 2024 when the HM Coastguard helicopter and crew, provided by contractor Bristow, saved a sailor from his yacht as it was swept onto rocks below a sea wall.
The lifesavers comprised Pilot Chris Trubshaw, Co-Pilot Mark Wielopolski, Winch Operator Andrew Catterall, and Winch Paramedic Chris Purkiss.
Honoured for their skill, determination and bravery
The vessel was being broken into pieces by the time Winch Paramedic Chris could be lowered from the helicopter, by now running low on fuel, and dodge the waves to pull the sailor clear and lift him to safety.
Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team were supporting on the sea wall, lowering down a life-ring in case the winch attempt did not work. They received the sailor and winch paramedic on the ground, providing casualty care and then transported them both to safety and passed him into the care of an ambulance crew.
The crew of the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat from Newhaven were joint recipients of the award in recognition of their support during the incident.
A truly exceptional emergency service committed to saving lives at sea
The annual International Ocean Safety Award recognises the most daring rescue of a sailor or crew anywhere in the world.
Assistant Chief Coastguard Matt Leat accepted the honour on behalf of the crew. He said: “Congratulations to the crew of the Lydd-based HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter who are rightly being honoured for their skill, determination and bravery.
“I am proud to work alongside Chris, his colleagues and the many teams, crews and individuals, including our partners at Bristow, that make HM Coastguard a truly exceptional emergency service committed to saving lives at sea.”
It is the third time the Newhaven incident has inspired public recognition. In July Chris was awarded the Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy by the Air League at a ceremony at the House of Commons.
And in October the whole team was presented with a Crew Commendation by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.
The International Association of Cape Horners is an organisation for seafarers who have made the achievement of rounding Cape Horn under sail on a non-stop passage of more than 3,000 miles.
HM Coastguard is one of the UK's frontline emergency services. In an emergency by the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Main photo: the view from the helicopter as Chris Purkiss rescued the sailor from the yacht
