ABERDEEN RNLI volunteer crew and fundraisers gathered at Fittie Community Hall on Thursday 24th November to celebrate and award commendations and long service awards presented by the charity.
Lifesaving Commendations, which are presented to crew who have gone above and beyond in often incredibly challenging circumstances, are recognition from the charity’s Director of Lifesaving Operations, John Payne. On Thursday, Cal Reed was awarded in his role as Helm on the inshore lifeboat (ILB), Buoy Woody 85N, alongside crew members, Susan McNeill and Arron Gray.
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Buoy Woody 85N is Aberdeen’s D-class lifeboat that is smaller in size than the city’s all-weather lifeboat, Bon Accord, holds up to 3 volunteer crew, and is small enough to gain some river access.
On the day in question in September 2021, Aberdeen RNLI was tasked by Police Scotland 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 ILB and crew jumped into action.
The lifeboat was quickly and skilfully manoeuvred alongside the casualty by Cal, who was Helm that day, and both Susan and Arron worked to recover and secure the casualty safely onboard. At the time of the incident, Arron Gray was only 17 years old and on his second launch on the city’s crew.
Speaking about the incident, Cal Reed, Aberdeen’s Coxswain/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.”
Susan tended to the casualty and was able to engage with her to ensure that she remained calm. 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 – North East Scotland, who presented the commendation awards on Thursday, added: “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.
“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.”
On Thursday, the crew and fundraising committee celebrated several Volunteer Long Service Awards, with Deputy Launch Authority, Gary Cruickshank awarded recognition for 20 years as crew and latterly operations support, as well as fundraisers Irene Bennet (20+ years) and David Brown (30+ years).
Weaver added: “Thursday wasn’t only an opportunity to celebrate our incredible crew members, but also to award and recognise others that make our lifesaving work possible. The RNLI is a charity and we rely on fundraising to ensure that our boats are ready and that our volunteer crew are trained and kitted out to launch 24/7, 365 days a year. Thursday was such a special opportunity to recognise the amazing work of our crew, but also those who volunteer on our operations team or as fundraisers, who have given decades of their life to supporting the RNLI – but moreover, Aberdeen!”
