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Whitby lifeboat crew honoured for brave rescue bid
WHITBY'S heroic lifeboat crew have been honoured for their brave attempts to save the lives of three people whose boat capsized in atrocious weather conditions.
They were presented with a letter of thanks by RNLI chairman Sir Jock Slater during a prestigious ceremony at Whitby Lifeboat Station on Wednesday afternoon.
All 27 of Whitby's RNLI crew, together with a number of fund-raisers were invited to receive the prestigious framed letter of thanks.
It recognised the teamwork, professionalism and bravery the crew displayed when trying to save the lives of Andrew Carrick, his partner Jill Russell and his brother John Carrick, who all died after their 22ft cabin cruiser Last Call capsized at the mouth of Whitby harbour on 23 November last year.
Whitby's lifeboat crew risked its own safety as they battled huge waves and quickly plucked the two brothers from the water.
Desperate attempts were made to resuscitate the men, but both died in hospital.
Miss Russell was picked up by the RAF Sea King helicopter, but she also died.
Reflecting on the letter of thanks, Roy Weatherill, operations manager for Whitby lifeboat, told the Gazette: "It is a way of thanking the crew for their bravery that day.
"It was a day none of us will ever forget, but it is important to recognise the efforts of the young lads who acted so courageously."
Second coxswain Nick Botham, who was involved in the rescue attempts, added: "The crew we were working with that day were in extreme danger themselves and were absolutely fantastic.
"They did not think at all about their own safety."
In his letter Sir Jock Slater, who has been touring a number of RNLI Stations, wrote: "This was a service with a sad result but conducted in effective co-operation with all those involved and in the best traditions of the RNLI – well done."
After the presentation he told the Gazette: "The crew displayed professionalism, courage, bravery and selflessness, which is what the RNLI is all about."
To see a video of the lifeboat crew reliving the tragedy, click here.
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Weather for Whitby
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
