Members of the Withernsea Coastguard Rescue Team John Hickey, Ann Bell, Guy Watkinson, Kelly Cook, John Ireland (absent) and Steve Firth.
Ashley Evans have been formally recognised for their bravery and service following the tragedy off the coast of Withernsea on 2 January.
Following representations from Graham, the Prime Minister’s Office has written to HM Coastguard Withernsea, RNLI Withernsea, Humberside Coastguard and Hornsea Inshore Rescue thanking them for their efforts during the search and rescue operation for Grace Keeling, her mother Sarah Keeling and member of the public Mark Ratcliffe.
In the letter, sent on behalf of the Prime Minister, rescuers were praised for facing “the dangers head on, in gruelling conditions and without hesitation” and for coming together “with a shared determination to help” despite the challenging circumstances.
The recognition follows Graham’s recent visit to Withernsea Coastguard Rescue Team, where he presented certificates of recognition to Coastguard Rescue Officers who responded on the day.
Members of the team, resplendent in their uniforms and medals, gathered to receive the certificates and reflect on a day that left a lasting mark on the local community.
Graham is also arranging for certificates of recognition to be presented to members of RNLI Withernsea, Hornsea Inshore Rescue and others involved in the response.
The recognition comes as Graham continues to lead the Save Our Coastguard campaign, which was launched following concerns that recent changes affecting Coastguard Rescue Officers could make it harder to recruit and retain volunteers.
The campaign has already attracted support from MPs, councillors, Coastguard Rescue Officers and coastal communities across the country.
“The Coastguard rescue officers involved on 2 January showed the very best of the Coastguard service.
“They faced appalling conditions and gave everything they could in the attempt to save lives.
“The recognition from the Prime Minister and Graham means a lot. It reflects the gratitude felt across the whole community.
“Every coastal community depends on volunteers being ready to answer the call when the pager goes off, and long may that continue.
Withernsea legend Jayne Nendick MBE said: “As we know in our community, tragedy can occur in a heartbeat, and the heroes that serve our coastline in those times of need need our support now. Signing this petition is protection to us all and shows these amazing people how much appreciation they have in our community.”
Dave Healing, a retired Coastguard Rescue Officer who served for nine years, said:
“I’m pleased to see so many people backing the petition.
“Here in East Yorkshire, we know how important the Coastguard is. When things go wrong on the coast, people need to know help is coming.
“Coastguard Rescue Officers give up their time, leave their families and go out in all weathers to help others.
“They deserve proper support, and I’m grateful to Graham for standing up for them.
“I’d encourage anyone who cares about our coastal communities to sign the petition and help protect the service for the future.”
Councillor Lyn Healing said:
“Living in a coastal community, we all understand how important the Coastguard is.
“The people who volunteer for these teams give up their time to help complete strangers, often in very difficult and dangerous conditions.
“The response to this petition shows just how much local people value the service and want to see it protected.
“I’m grateful to Graham for leading this campaign and for making sure the voices of coastal communities are being heard.
“We should be doing everything we can to support the brave men and women who are there for us when we need them most.”
Graham said:
“The tragedy on 2 January was one of the darkest days our community has experienced in recent years.
“Throughout that day and for many hours afterwards, Coastguard Rescue Officers, RNLI volunteers, Hornsea Inshore Rescue and the emergency services battled appalling conditions in an attempt to save lives.
“It was a privilege to meet members of the Withernsea Coastguard Rescue Team and present these certificates on behalf of a grateful community.
“These are ordinary men and women who do extraordinary things. When the pager goes off, they leave their families, their jobs and their daily lives behind and run towards danger when others are running away from it.
“The recognition from the Prime Minister is a fitting tribute to everyone involved and reflects the gratitude felt right across our community.
“The events of 2 January reminded us why services like these matter so much. Every person who lives by the coast, works by the coast or enjoys a holiday by the coast depends on brave volunteers being there when the worst happens.
“That is why the Save Our Coastguard campaign matters. If we want people like these to continue protecting our communities, we must ensure the Coastguard Rescue Service remains strong, resilient and able to recruit and retain the volunteers it needs.
“I would encourage anyone who agrees to visit saveourcoastguard.co.uk and add their voice to the campaign.”
