Every now and then we get reminded how we are surrounded by extraordinary individuals. Thanks, Shiner Wright!
From the Sikorsky.com web site:
Billy Deacon SAR Trophy Goes to S-61 Winchman
A rescue crewman aboard a Sikorsky S-61 helicopter serving Her Majesty's Coastguard in Great Britain has won the inaugural Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy.
Stephen (Shiner) Wright, employed by Bristow Helicopters at the Coastguard Search and Rescue base at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, received the 2002 trophy this spring in London. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, presented the award for the first time on April 30, 2002.
The award honors S-61 winchman Billy Deacon, who died heroically during a 1997 rescue aboard a foundering ship after ensuring its crew was hoisted to safety.
Wright was the winchman lowered from the Coastguard helicopter "Mike Uniform" on March 31, 2001 when it was called to recover an injured seaman from the fishing vessel Amadeus in 50-knot winds and a violent sea state.
A description of his actions shows that being a winchman, the SAR crewman who is lowered from the aircraft, is not a calling for the faint-hearted.
"In the process of being lowered to the deck, the vessel lurched suddenly throwing Shiner down a well deck. Before he had time to disconnect from the winch hook, the vessel fell away causing Shiner to be dragged upwards, impacting the sides of the well deck and thus sustaining injuries to his leg, chest and head. As the ship rose upwards again, he was unceremoniously deposited onto the upper deck of the fishing vessel and rendered semi-conscious.
"Though badly injured and in extreme pain, he managed to disconnect from the winch hook and recover sufficiently to move up to the bridge to tend to the casualty. In severe pain from a broken foot and bruised ribs and suffering from concussion, he administered first aid to the seaman, who had an injury to his shoulder.
"After placing the casualty in a lifting harness, Shiner returned to the winching area and, along with the casualty, was recovered to the helicopter. On return to Stornoway, Shiner was detained in hospital for a short period. He returned to work after a six-week period of recovery. Throughout the rescue, his primary concern was for the casualty and he displayed a high degree of determination, dedication and professionalism."
The trophy is awarded to winch operators and winchmen from the British Coastguard, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy for meritorious service during SAR helicopter operations from U.K. bases. The award committee, independently chaired by the Operations Director from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, sits annually to consider nominations.
Bristow Helicopters and Breitling UK sponsor the award. Shiner will hold the Trophy for one year or until the award is reallocated.
http://www.sikorsky.com/details/0,30...TI1251,00.html