Bronze Medal and commendations for Port St Mary RNLI for saving three lives

Wed, 03 Aug 2022

A Bronze Medal is to be awarded to Port St Mary RNLI helm Richard Leigh for superb boat handling, seamanship, and courage during the rescue of a yacht in rough seas in very demanding circumstances.

Nine letters of thanks will be presented to the volunteer crew for helping to rescue three people whose lives were in danger when a yacht’s propellor became entangled.                              

The dramatic rescue happened last November involved both of the station’s lifeboats. During the rescue, the volunteer crew demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skilled boat handling in adverse conditions that threatened all three lives on board a yacht.

In very challenging conditions, helm Richard Leigh was able to approach the yacht, and retrieved all three of the yacht’s crew.

Port St Mary RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Sarah Keggen said: 'Throughout the rescue, helm Richard Leigh had to negotiate very difficult conditions. It was through his experience, leadership and skill that he was able to retrieve the three casualties from the yacht. He was ably supported by both inshore RNLI crew, Chris Hill and Daniel Grace, who informed helm Richard Leigh of any hazards that may affect the inshore lifeboat such as breaking waves, shallow waters, trailing ropes and the anchor.

In addition to the Bronze Medal for helm Richard Leigh, framed Letters of Appreciation signed by the Chief Executive will be awarded to inshore RNLI crew Chris Hill, Daniel Grace, RNLI Coxswain Mike Keggen and Lifeboat Operations Manager Sarah Keggen.  The letters will reflect their individual courage, collective teamwork, and determination to save a life.

---