Six lifeboat crew members have been praised by the RNLI following a complex rescue on one of their busiest days of the year.
Volunteers from Barry Dock were called out to Flat Holm Island to help a casualty who suffered a serious back injury.
Their professionalism was recognised with an RNLI Medical Doctor Commendation, which was presented during their Christmas carol service at All Saints Church last week.
During a seven-hour operation, the crew acted carefully and methodically when they realised that even the slightest movement to the casualty could cause lasting harm.
They provided pain relief and manage to secure the patient in a stretcher before being taken to the mainland by lifeboat, providng further medical care along the way. As a result, they avoid any life-changing injuries.
Coxswain Andy Gavan accepted the commendation on behalf of himself and the five other crew members - Ben, Dan S, Marc, Dan B and Emma.
He said: "This was a tough shout in a very awkward and difficult location, the crew worked together seamlessly as a team, as they train hard for."
"Our focus throughout was keeping the casualty safe and preventing further harm, doing everything we could do to avoid any further injury, while also looking out for each other’s safety."
"Working with care, patience, selflessness and compassion, I am genuinely proud of our crew and their enduring commitment, with our good wishes to the casualty’s recovery."
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