Sea rescue heroes officially rewarded
Published: October 2, 2006
Last week H.E the Governor Stuart Jack and the Commissioner of Police Stuart Kernohan honoured the commitment and dedication of those involved in an incredible sea rescue which took place at Pedro Castle earlier this year.
The reception, held at the Governors House, saw eight individuals receive Commissioner’s Commendations, the highest level of award available in the police service, and others were openly recognised for their efforts.
On July 6, 2006 a family of two small boys aged 10 and 11 and their father found themselves caught in rough seas at Pedro Castle and were struggling to stay afloat.
Calls were made to 911 and staff from various agencies sprang into action displaying what was described as bravery, commitment and courage which stretched beyond the call of duty.
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, (RCIPS) said that there is no doubt that when staff arrived at the scene their actions were spurred by instinct.
Despite the seas being extremely dangerous one RCIPS Marine Unit member, along with an officer from the Fire Service, armed themselves with life jackets and with no regard for their own safety swam out towards the struggling family. As this was happening the helicopter had responded and was hovering near by.
Through sheer determination the officers managed to get the two boys hoisted from the water safely onto the helicopter, one at a time.
They were attended to by medics after suffering some cuts to their hands, feet and knees.
Approximately two minutes later the father was rescued by a Harbour Patrol vessel; he too had abrasions to his legs.
Clinton Jackson, Rodney Watler and Roy Lee Moore from the Port Authority, crewed the vessel in rough waters and effected the rescue of the father and the two rescuing officers
Dyronnie Myles of the Fire Service, jumped in the sea along with Mark Luke a Police Constable from the Marine Unit with life vests for the family.
It was Brainard McLaughlin and Trevor Tummings a Customs Officer attached to the Marine Unit, who boarded the helicopter with Jerome Begot of Cayman Helicopters with rope and extra life vests and hoisted the two children to safety and Mr Begot of Cayman Helicopters also ensured a quick response and flight to the scene.
The instinctive public spirit displayed by all concerned in this incredible rescue led to the family returning home to the USA safe and sound.
“This happy ending, which could have so easily been another story, was undoubtedly made possible through the great effort, communication and team work displayed by all,” said Police Commissioner Stuart Kernohan.
“Everyone involved should be very proud of their contribution and their actions. It was an excellent example of a coordinated approach by the different Cayman Islands agencies including the use of air support.’
The Commissioner said it is important to celebrate successes such as this rescue.
“All too often in this world we concentrate on the negatives and we lose sight of the all the good things going on. It is not always strategies, systems or processes that lead to these successes but people;
people who are making a difference in difficult, demanding and sometimes dangerous situations. It gives me great pleasure to recognise these achievements and to be able to present these awards for outstanding efforts,” he added as he gave the heroes their accolades
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