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Two Newquay Search and Rescue Helicopter winch crew have been presented with the prestigious Billy Deacon SAR award for their outstanding rescue work.
Jason Bibby and Carlton Real were presented with their awards by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence at the Air League’s Annual Reception Ceremony at the House of Commons on 19 November.
Challenging situation
On the evening of 22 May 2023, R924 was tasked to reports of two casualties cut off by tide and swept into a cave at Bassetts Cove near Portreath in North Cornwall. Arriving on scene in just six minutes, the team were met by a challenging situation.
Coastguard Rescue Officers had thrown a lifejacket and line into the surf, but powerful swells made access to the cave impossible. Despite attempting to pull themselves free from the white-water with the line, the casualty lost his grip and was left struggling in the swell.
Seeing the situation escalate, R924’s crew swung into action. Winch Paramedic Carlton Real was lowered towards the casualty, while the nearby cliffs, thrashing surf and poor weather conditions made winching a difficult ordeal.
Carlton was repeatedly engulfed by the waves and submerged in the surf but managed to grip the casualty and pull them further out of the cave. Amid pounding waves Carlton’s grip was soon broken but thankfully the casualty was grabbed by coastguards and pulled to safety on rocks nearby.
Upon returning to the aircraft, exhausted Carlton was provided with oxygen. As he tried to regain his breathing, reports came in that the casualty was deteriorating rapidly. Carlton immediately volunteered to be lowered down so that the person flown to hospital for emergency care.
Despite his own condition, Carlton carried out a textbook winch transfer and soon both he and his casualty were en-route to hospital. Meanwhile, the crew of Rescue 924 were replaced at the scene by another coastguard helicopter and a four-hour long operation, the remaining casualty was rescued from the cave.
‘Meritorious and selfless acts of courage’
The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Award Trophy is issued to winchmen and women and winch operators in the UK and Ireland’s Search and Rescue region (SRR) for ‘meritorious and selfless acts of courage’.
Winchman Billy Deacon tragically lost his life while rescuing the crew of cargo ship ‘Green Lily’, which foundered off Shetland in 1997.
“Through Billy’s tragic loss, we remember the sacrifices made by those working in Search and Rescue to keep our seas and coastline safe. Billy died saving lives, and through their winning of the award, Carlton and Jason join an esteemed group of professionals recognised for such important work.
“We congratulate them both for their outstanding rescue, and we thank them for their continued commitment to saving lives.”
Pat O’Callaghan, Interim Chief Coastguard
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