Rhyl Coastguards awarded for flood rescue efforts
Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Officers have won a prestigious award for their efforts in the December floods.
From left to right: Andrea Jones Rhyl CRT, Andrew Rutherford Mayor of Rhyl, Ged Butters Station Officer Rhyl CRT, Ian Olson Deputy Station Officer Rhyl CRT, Two Unison representatives who sponsored the award, Elliot Roberts Rhyl CRT, Jamie Davies Rhyl CRT, David Lee Rhyl CRT
They’ve been presented with a Mayor of Rhyl Flood Heroes Award for services to the town during some of the worst floods to hit the area for around 20 years.
On 5 December 2013, torrential rain and strong winds saw flooding affect approximately 200 homes, with most of the residents either elderly or infirm. The Coastguard Rescue Officers, geared up in their water rescue kit, carried out door to door searches, helping people to safety. Further flooding at Golden Sands Caravan Park resulted in 50 residents being evacuated to a safe area.
Richard Furneaux, Coastguard Sector Manager for the Clywd area, said:
With their years of experience and training in place, the Coastguard Rescue Officers took command and control of what was a difficult and ever changing situation. Their quick decisions ensured the safety of hundreds of residents cut off by the flood waters.
Richard Martin, Chief Coastguard, said:
Coastguards worked tirelessly over the winter months as storms and tidal surges battered many parts of the UK coastline. I’d like to take a moment to thank them all for their sterling efforts in what have been very challenging conditions.
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