Wednesday 6 November 2013

Incident at Tilly Whim, Swanage

The last four days have been some of the most difficult the team have faced for many years.

When I say "team" that is just not the immediate members of the Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams. This incident has defined just how big that team is during an incident of this magnitude.

Over the 4 days we believe over 500 people have been involved in this continued incident - Coastguard Rescue Officers, Coastguard Operations Room and support staff, RNLI Swanage crews and support staff, Coastguard Helicopter crew and CHC support staff, Dorset Police Officers ,Police Staff, National Police Air Service and Dorset County Council Country Park Rangers.

But there are some more very important people we should mention - our families and friends who have shared the pain and upset the weekend brought. We should also mention the kind support from the community, the cafe who provided refreshments and the shop who refused payment for some equipment we needed.

On behalf of the Swanage Coastguard Team we would like to thank everyone who has been involved or supported us all.

6 comments:

Volunteer said...

it was all appalling for everyone concerned - all sympathy with everyone here - well done the coastguards and the other emergency services

Anonymous said...

I cannot begin to express the gratitude to everyone who was involved in this rescue mission. As friend of the woman, my heart is broken over the tragedy that has befallen this beautiful person. She was a beacon of light and happiness with the most infectious personality. Everyone had a smile on their face when she was around! We are all in pain and our hearts and sympathy goes out to all who knew her, particularly her beautiful family and wonderful friends.
I have thought about the rescue team and personnel involved so much over the last few days. I cannot begin to imagine the day to day turmoil that you must face in your job and the waves of emotions that your families and friends must go through with you.
Thank you for all that you do in a job that sees the highs and lows of life. Thank you for being there for my friend. Thank you for caring and giving of yourself. These jobs about beyond paychecks and job descriptions...they are about heart and soul so I thank you for giving yours to my friend that fateful afternoon.
May God bless you and keep you safe.

Roger MacPherson said...

Not every incident will end happily, that we all understand, however, that does not detract from the amazing effort and determination shown by every single person involved in the rescue attempt.
Heart felt sympathy to the victim's family and friends and a very big thank you to those who were involved and cared enough to give it their all.

Nicky said...

Well done everyone for ur professionalism and dedication. You are an amazing asset to our communities. Thank you. it's incredibly sad and thoughts go out to the family but also all og you who worked so hard.

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to all of you big hearted people who risk your own lives to save others. I know it must be heart breaking when things don't work out well but everyone knows you've done your utmost. Thanks a million for your courage and generosity.

Unknown said...

As the ex deputy station officer of Swanage Coastguard team I know they would have put there hearts and souls into the rescue, it is such a shame that the outcome was what it was.my Family's thoughts and feelings go out to the entire crews of both coastguard and RNLI.
God bless you all in this terrible time. Dave and Laraine Ogden