Tynemouth Lifeboat volunteers recognised for bravery

With waves of over seven metres and storm force conditions ahead of them, the lifeboat set off at best speed. It took great skill and boat control from Michael to get the lifeboat to the casualty vessel.

At 1am after a four hour journey, the lifeboat arrived on scene positioning stern first to attempt an easier tow. When the lifeboat was in a trough of one of the waves, the 20ft fishing vessel was higher than the highest point of the Severn class lifeboat which proved an intimidating sight.

15 minutes after the tow line was attached, the crew checked the line and found it had worn through to the main rope. The crew shortened the line and went again, 15 minutes later the same happened again. Michael took a piece of the lifeboats carpet and wrapped it the tow line to stop it wearing through, using cable ties to keep it tied on. This ensured the crew didn't have to keep going out onto the deck in storm force conditions, holding for the rest of the trip back.

The lifeboat then made its slow five knot speed back to the Tyne. Arriving at 3pm, some 18 hours after setting off into the storm conditions. The lifeboat was made ready for service again at 5pm.

On the 24th March a special ceremony took place, ran by the Area Lifesaving Manager, Neil Hancock and Regional Manager for the South West, Adrian Carey where Michael Nugent and his crew were presented with their commendations. The crew of Dan Howe, Joe Smiles, Michael Brown, Rob Blake and Andy King were awarded Lifesaving Operations Director Commendations and Michael a Chair Letter of Thanks

Dan Howe also received a further commendation for a rescue he undertook whilst covering at Harwich. Dan heard cries for help while he was covering Mechanic. He noticed a person in the water hanging onto a small boat. Dan donned his dry suit and entered the water providing immediate aid to the casualty and ultimately, saving their life.

Further awards for Long Service were also presented to David Robinson, George Jasper, David Stenhouse and Geoff Nugent. Geoff being Michael's father, picking up an unprecedented 60 year long service certificate.

James Waters, Spokesperson for Tynemouth RNLI comments "As Adrian recounted the rescue the whole room sat in awe of the achievements of our volunteers. This is a very well deserved award to Michael and the crew. Hearing about Dan's rescue whilst at Harwich too was inspiring and very well deserved"

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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