Volunteer rescuers continue to impress

Albany Sea Rescue Squad’s maritime excellence was recognised at the 2013 Volunteer Marine Rescue Services Awards in Perth on Saturday.

Volunteer Marine Rescue WA Commander Jeff Howe selected the squad for the Commander’s Award for their “hazardous” and “outstanding” rescue of a man from Cave Point on May 6.

Squad operations co-ordinator Chris Johns said the atmosphere at the awards night was “almost overwhelming”.

“That day we had sadly just recovered a body from Salmon Holes and got home, when we got another call saying someone was in peril at The Gap,” he said.

“We flogged it around there in the pitch black, got there in record time and there was a bloke hanging by his fingertips at Cave Point.

“He had got into a perilous position, was very scared, probably very cold and understandably very reluctant to let go.”

Skipper Jason Shepherd, crew Jason Howard, Paul Davies-Reid and Chris Johns, with assistance from radio operators Michelle Davies-Reid, Rob Bessen and police, manoeuvred the boat close enough to the cliff face to rescue the man, who made a full recovery.

“This was a bittersweet day in which the Albany Sea Rescue operations were performed with the usual professionalism and integrity,” Mr Johns said.

“I am continually impressed by these volunteers … when they are called upon, whether the conditions are halcyon or maelstrom, they step up for the public of Albany without condition and I find that humbling.

“To see people from all walks of life perform rescues like this is bloody awesome, I’m so proud of them.”