A United States Air Force commander has shared his praise and admiration for HM Coastguard after an off-duty US sailor under his command was rescued from a cove at Flamborough Head in Yorkshire.
Colonel John T. Sullivan, Commander of the Joint Intelligence Operations Centre Europe Analytic Center (JIOCEUR) wrote to HM Coastguard’s Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team to extend his deepest gratitude for ‘swift, professional and lifesaving actions’.
The Colonel, who is based at RAF Molesworth in Cambridge, refers in his letter to an incident that took place on 3 July, whereby an off-duty US Navy Sailor and his wife were rescued at Flamborough Head in Yorkshire.
After becoming tired and cold, the paddleboarding pair had recovered to shore at North Landing Beach, where they’d become stranded in a cove as the tide came in.
While moving up the beach to avoid the advancing tide, Maritime Operations Officers from Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre launched a rescue response, sending Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team and RNLI Flamborough lifeboat.
An HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter then arrived on scene, picking up the pair and lifting them to safety, where they were then cared for by Coastguard Rescue Officers from Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team.
Colonel Sullivan added: “Your rapid response… is a testament to the elite training, vigilance and dedication of HM Coastguard and the RNLI. Thanks to the skill and bravery of your rescue crew, our Sailor and his wife were brought to safety.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to operate alongside such outstanding host-nation partners. Your dedication to preserving life at sea strengthens the enduring bond between our nations and our services.”
Tim Richardson, Coastal Operations Area Commander for HM Coastguard said: “We’re always heartened to hear back from those involved in incidents. In this case, it’s been humbling to receive such an appreciative letter from the US Air Force regarding the rescue and safe return of one of their personnel and his wife.
“Our Coastguard Rescue Officers, Operations Staff, and helicopter crews, are tireless in their commitment and dedication to saving lives at sea and on our coastline. It’s keenly appreciated when we see that work recognised in public so thoughtfully.”
