The most recent gold medal

The RNLI’s highest accolade, the Gold Medal, was awarded to Coxswain/Mechanic Hewitt Clark and Bronze Medals were awarded to Second Coxswain Richie Simpson, Emergency Mechanics Peter Thomson and Brian Laurenson, and Crew Members Ian Leask and Michael Grant for a service to the cargo vessel Green Lily on 19 November 1997.

Coxswain Clark demonstrated incredible skill in handling the lifeboat and taking her alongside the violently rolling casualty and rescued five men from the vessel in horrendous weather conditions.

He made the decision to launch after it appeared that all other hope had gone: a towline had parted, the helicopter could not work the casualty, and she was close to the rocky shore; there was no margin for error.

Coxswain Clark manoeuvred the lifeboat in limited sea room, with 15m breaking seas and violent storm force 11 winds. When he finally drove the lifeboat clear with five survivors on board there was less than 200m to the shore.

The Maud Smith Award for the bravest act of lifesaving in 1997 was also made to Coxswain/Mechanic Hewitt Clark for this service.

A  special RNLI Vellum was awarded posthumously to Coastguard helicopter Winchman William (Bill) Deacon who tragically died during this service. In addition a collective Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum was awarded to the entire crew of the Coastguard helicopter – Captain Norman Leask, Co-Pilot David Gribben, Winch Operator Paul Mansell and Winchman Bill Deacon in recognition of their actions during the service to the Green Lily.