Bangor RNLI volunteers commended for Christmas Day rescue and long service
Bangor RNLI volunteers recently attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace after being commended for their 2021 Christmas Day rescue and long service.
This was part of the RNLI 200th anniversary celebrations.
Among the volunteers were John Bell, Johnny Gedge, Gavin Mitchell and Ewan Rathbone-Scott.
The crew have also been recognised with a certificate of commendation for their role in a lifesaving rescue on Christmas Day in 2021 and for long service to the charity.
Commenting on the Christmas Day rescue, Bryan Lawther, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at the time said: “This was a difficult rescue, with poor conditions and located close to dangerous rocks.
“It is a testament to the crew’s professionalism, experience and training that the rescue was successful.
“While four crew went out on the lifeboat, we had another 15 volunteers who put their Christmas on hold to help with the launch and stayed to help clean down the lifeboat on her return, and we want to thank and recognise them too for their selfless dedication.”
Four more Bangor RNLI volunteers at the garden party are also marking long or dedicated service.
These included helms Kyle Marshall for 40 years, Andrew Gedge for 30 years, Launch Authority Kevin Baird for 30 years and Launch Authority Captain Davy Eccles MBE for his services to maritime safety.
Captain Byron Griffiths, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘The garden party was a fitting event to celebrate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary and to thank our volunteers for their dedication, and commitment to saving lives at sea.”
