Special Award For 'Heroic Crew'

Friday, 15 July 2022 at 08:50

Three Jersey firefighters have been awarded a Chief Officers' Commendation for rescuing two French tourists from the caves in Plemont Bay.

A woman had slipped into the sea and her husband jumped in to try and save her, but they were swept into the cave by the wind and rising tide

Crew Commander Simon Le Maistre, along with his colleagues Andy Le Marquand and Jack Luce, worked together to get the pair to safety.

The dramatic rescue unfolded in May.

The JFRS Inshore boat was launched from Greve de Lecq in a two-metre swell.

The crew navigated a tricky manoeuvre using the anchor and line and powering astern into the narrow cave entrance.

"We can keep the bow of the boat facing the waves so the boat does not get swamped with water, we can also maintain tension on the anchor line, so we don't get washed onto rocks" - Crew Commander Le Maistre.

Once in position deep in the cave, one of the crew swam in with life jackets and recovered the couple.

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service says the rescue was 'fraught with danger' from the rocks and breaking waves.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Brown says the three firefighters are a credit to the service, and he's immensely proud of them all.

“There is no doubt their professionalism, decision making, and exemplary teamwork meant that they were able to save lives. In the best traditions of the Fire and Rescue Service, the crew performed this rescue at calculated but nevertheless considerable risk to themselves. I am immensely proud of them all and they are a credit to the Fire and Rescue Service. Well done.”