First gold medal

On 8 March 1824 the Swedish brigantine Carl Jean was in difficulties close to the shore near Christchurch, Hampshire, and was wrecked after 2 hours.

Captain Charles Fremantle RN was the first to attempt to get to the wreck and managed to reach her by swimming through the surf with a line fastened to his body.

The ship’s boats were cut clear but the rough seas filled them. Captain Fremantle suggested other rescue measures but the crew refused to act on them.

In his attempts he nearly lost his life when the crew on board didn’t throw him a rope but he returned to the shore with the help of a shore line by which he was hauled in.

Eventually the crew reached the shore using the wreck of the mainmast.