I hereby Commend

Mark Hunter & Owen Bridge

Auxiliary Coastguards

Scarborough Coastguard Response Team

for

Meritorious Service

For their part in the rescue of 5 persons cut off by the incoming tide at White Knab, Cornelian Bay on 9 February 1997.

At 1331 MRSC Humber received a 999 call from a member of the public reporting that 5 persons were cut off by the incoming tide. Two adults and three children were up to their knees in water as the tide rushed in. Deciding that there was not enough time to wait for helicopter support and with the lifeboat unable to approach because of the shallow water, the Coastguard Response Team decided to effect a rescue. Under the control of the Auxiliary in Charge, Mark Hunter & Owen Bridge wearing the proper safety equipment and carrying life jackets for each of the casualties swam 60 meters through freezing and turbulent seas to the out crop of rocks. Under very difficult conditions and with the rocks awash they dressed the 5 people in the life jackets. Having taken out both a floating line and cliff line with them the woman and two children were then pulled back to shore. The male adult who could not swim and a nine year old boy were supported by Mark Hunter and Owen Bridge while they were hauled back to shore.

The courage, determination and dedication to duty demonstrated by Mark Hunter and Owen Bridge was entirely in keeping with the finest traditions of the service and undoubtedly helped to save the lives of 5 people.

John Astbury

CHIEF COASTGUARD

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