A Chief Coastguard Commendation was given to Gareth Davies and Letters of Appreciation to fellow CROs for their efforts to bring to safety a woman trapped against rocks by waves and strong winds on the shore at Sheringham.
The accolade was given to Gareth by Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig at a ceremony on Monday 23 February attended by CROs from Sheringham and Cromer Coastguard Rescue Teams.
Letters of Appreciation also went to Sheringham CROs Allison Marriott, Steve Price, Emma Wright and Caroline Clark; and Cromer CROs Nathan Jonas, Jackie James, Harriet Barnard, Steve Lane, Will Witham and Jim Lilley.
The casualty... desperately needed the timely intervention of Coastguard Rescue Officers
The incident began with a 999 call to HM Coastguard at around 9.35am on 16 September 2025 reporting a group of swimmers cut off and trapped against a rock groyne.
Officers at Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) sent Sheringham and Cromer CRTs and Mundesley Volunteer Inshore Lifeboat to the scene.
Three of the swimmers managed to reach safety but a fourth remained stuck, buffeted by the conditions against the rocks.
With the lifeboat still on its way, the decision was made to carry out a team tethered rescue – sending CRO Gareth out to recover the swimmer, securely attached to a line held by his teammates on shore.
The very best traditions of HM Coastguard’s expertise and dedication
Gareth was able to make his way out to the stranded woman and, roped to the CROs on dry land, assist her back to safety.
Once on shore, the woman was treated for injuries to her arms and legs, and hypothermia, before being handed into the care of East of England Ambulance Service.
Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig said: “The casualty had been pushed up against rock armour by wind and tide and needed the timely intervention of Coastguard Rescue Officers.
“The extrication of the casualty in difficult conditions, medical care afterwards, and management of the scene were in the very best traditions of HM Coastguard’s expertise and dedication.”
Main photo, from left: Jon Payne (Senior Coastal Operations Officer), Jim Lilley, Will Witham, Emma Wright, Nathan Jonas, Jackie James, Steve Lane, John Craig, Gareth Davies, Allison Marriott, Steve Price, Julia Bourne and Harriet Barnard (photo: Maritime and Coastguard Agency)
