Aberdeen lifeboat crew who helped rescue person from water near city bridge celebrated

A evening celebrating the lifesaving achievements of RNLI volunteers and fundraisers saw the crew of an inshore lifeboat recognised for its work.

Aberdeen RNLI volunteer crew and fundraisers gathered at Fittie Community Hall to celebrate and award commendations and long service awards.

Lifesaving commendations are presented to crews who have gone above and beyond in often incredibly challenging circumstances. They are a recognition from the charity of the hard work of volunteers.

Teen crew member helped lead rescue

Helm Cal Reed was recognised alongside crew members, Susan McNeill and Arron Gray for their role on the inshore lifeboat (ILB), Buoy Woody 85N.

In September 2021, Aberdeen RNLI was tasked by police to assist in the search for a missing person.

Having been stood down, the crew was returning to the station when a second tasking request came to support in a particularly difficult shout.

The crew was sent to the River Dee, where it quickly became clear that the casualty – who was on the ledge of the Wellington Bridge – was in distress.

Supported by the coastguard onshore, the shout quickly escalated when the casualty entered the water.

The lifeboat was quickly and skilfully manoeuvred alongside the casualty by the helm and the crew worked to recover and secure the casualty safely onboard.

At the time of the incident, Mr Gray was only 17 years old and on his second launch on the city’s crew.

Speaking about the incident, Mr Reed, Aberdeen’s coxswain and mechanic, said: “These types of incidents can be incredibly traumatic for everyone involved, but Arron was only on his second shout and, despite his young age, he was nothing but professional and calm throughout.

“He was quick to react and took direction well, demonstrating skills and support that you would expect from a seasoned crew member.”

Ms McNeill tended to the casualty and was able to engage with her to ensure she remained calm.

Mr Reed continued: “Typically, in shouts of this nature, the casualty can withdraw into themselves and become unpredictable, but Susan’s actions kept the casualty calm and therefore both the casualty and crew safe.

“Susan’s experience and her approach in dealing with the casualty undoubtedly made an enormous difference to the outcome that day.”

Henry Weaver, area lifesaving manager for the north-east, who presented the commendation awards, said: “The crew that day went above and beyond to achieve the best outcome in what was an incredibly challenging circumstance – particularly as this was the second launch of the evening for them that day.

“Cal’s leadership, experience, calmness under pressure and ability to handle the lifeboat as if it were an extension of his own body, supported by Susan and Arron, meant the difference between a life saved and a life lost that day.

He continued: “These types of shouts often fly under the radar.

“For obvious reasons, we don’t tend to talk about them, but all three crew are a credit to Aberdeen lifeboat station and the RNLI, their actions that day embody the true values of the institution.”

The event also celebrated long service awards.

Deputy launch authority, Gary Cruickshank was awarded recognition for 20 years as crew and latterly operations support, as well as fundraisers Irene Bennet with 20 years service and David Brown with 30 years service.