20.02.2012 - DUNGENESS 12 27

Silver Gallantry Medal for Dungeness RNLI lifeboat crew member

Author: Laura Fennimore, Public Relations Officer

Dungeness RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew member Garry Clark is to be awarded a Silver Medal for Gallantry – one of the RNLI's highest honours. This is in recognition of his exemplary bravery and determination during the rescue of seven people from the yacht Liquid Vortex on 3 January 2012. Garry played a critical role in saving seven lives during a rescue, which took place in fierce storms and involved Garry being transferred to the casualty vessel.

His fellow crew members will also be recognised for their role in the dramatic rescue. Dungeness RNLI Deputy Second Coxswain Mark Richardson and Mechanic/Deputy Second Coxswain Trevor Bunney will be awarded Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum. Silver Medal Service Badges, Certificates and a Letter of Appreciation signed by the RNLI's Chief Executive will be awarded to Deputy Second Coxswain Roger Gillett and Crew Members Simon Collins, Terence Ashford and Jeff Henderson.

Read the full news release here and watch the BBC South East Today news report below.

Dungeness Lifeboat Station in Kent guards the Channel from Folkestone to Rye Bay and today operates a Mersey class 'fast' carriage lifeboat Pride and Spirit which came to Dungeness in 1992, it was a generous gift from Eric and Jean Cass. Shore helpers are required to launch and recover the lifeboat, the station also had the country's last lady launchers.

In 1940 the Dungeness Lifeboat Charles Cooper Henderson was also one of 19 lifeboats that took part in the evacuation of forces from Dunkirk.