Local RNLI heroes receive commendations for Storm Arwen launch

Members of the Arbroath crew are pictured at the lifeboat station with their commendation awards.

The bravery and professionalism of two Angus volunteer lifeboat crews in saving lives during one of the worst storms in a generation has been recognised with awards from the RNLI.

Members of both the Arbroath and Montrose crews have been awarded Marine Meritorious Service Medals for their response to a vessel in distress during Storm Arwen in November 2021.

Scott Murray, Kev Mcbay, Ryan Duncan, Graham Littlejohn, Graeme Cowie and Grant Howie were awarded at Montrose RNLI, while Sam Clow, Michael Marr, Peter Willis, Jack Fraser, Rod McLean and Kyle Bailey were recognised at the Arbroath station.

Both crews were scrambled just before 11.40pm on November 26, to help a ship which was in danger of running aground off the Angus coast

The Montrose crew who, along with colleagues from Arbroath, launched into one of the worst storms seen in the UK in recent years.

The 82-metre coaster motor vessel was dragging its anchor and in danger of going aground at the south end of Lunan Bay.

The volunteer crews battled extremely challenging weather conditions, with 6-metre seas and winds gusting force 10/11.

The Montrose lifeboat was first at the scene and, despite the difficult conditions, managed to carry out a visual check of the port side of the vessel to assess for damage.

Shortly after arriving on scene the Arbroath lifeboat arrived and carried out the same checks on the starboard side and no damage was found.

Scott Murray, Coxswain Mechanic at Montrose RNLI, says: “Myself and the crew faced extremely challenging conditions during the shout, I would personally like to thank the crew for their assistance during the service and we feel incredibly honoured to have received these awards.

“RNLI crew do not do this for the recognition. However, to be awarded in this way by the organisation really does fill me with an immense sense of pride for the volunteer crew.

Michael Marr, Coxswain at Arbroath RNLI, says: ‘It’s a great honour to be presented with the Chief Executive’s Commendation. It’s also great tribute to the immense bravery and selflessness of the crew, who did an outstanding job in very challenging conditions. It is a night that won’t be long forgotten by all involved.

‘The commendation is real testament to all at Arbroath and Montrose lifeboat stations, from the crews on the boats, to the launch crew, to the launching authorities and to the fundraisers. Without the team effort from everyone involved no shout would be possible, let alone challenging ones such as this. We thank the families of our crew too, who always support us and are left at home worrying about what their loved one is facing.

He adds: ‘Thanks also to the RNLI staff who help support and train our crews, maintain our boats, and ensure that we are able to respond to save lives in what can be the most trying conditions.’

ENDS