A brave coastguard who helped save the life of a woman trapped against rocks off the Norfolk coast has been honoured with a top award.
On September 16, HM Coastguard received a 999 call reporting that a group of swimmers were trapped against a rock groyne off the Sheringham coast.
Sheringham and Cromer Coast Rescue Teams (CRT) and Mundesley Volunteer Inshore Lifeboat rushed to the scene, where a woman was stuck in a perilous position as 50mph winds pounded the shore.
With the lifeboat still on its way, the decision was made to carry out a team tethered rescue.
Gareth Davies, Sheringham Coastguard rescue officer (CRO), was sent out to recover the swimmer while securely attached to a line held by his teammates on the shore.
Mr Davies was able to make his way out to the stranded woman and assisted her away from the heaving sea and back to safety.
Once on shore, the woman was treated for serious lacerations to her arms and legs, and hypothermia before being handed into the care of East of England Ambulance Service.
The other three swimmers had already managed to get themselves to safety.
Now Mr Davies has been awarded the Chief Coastguard Commendation - one of the highest accolades in HM Coastguard.
Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig said: “The casualty had been pushed up against rock armour by wind and tide and desperately needed the timely intervention of Coastguard Rescue Officers.
"The extrication of the casualty in difficult conditions, medical care afterwards, and management of the scene were in the very best traditions of HM Coastguard’s expertise and dedication.
"There can be no doubt that the teamwork involved on that morning led to the saving of a life.”
Letters of Appreciation also went to Sheringham CROs Allison Marriott, Steve Price, Emma Wright and Caroline Clark; and Cromer CROs Nathan Jonas, Jackie James, Harriet Barnard, Steve Lane, Will Witham and Jim Lilley.
