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Airman in sea tragedy rescue bid honoured
Julie Hemmings AN airman has been honoured for his efforts to save a family swept into the North Sea during a day trip to Scarborough.
Master Aircrew Nick Petch was the winchman of a Sea King helicopter which took part in the dramatic rescue effort to save Leeds mother-of-two Kim Barrett, and her children Aimee and Luke Greenwood.
Lowered time and again into the raging sea, Master Aircrew Petch managed to pluck Ms Barrett and Luke, 11, from the sea but both died later in hospital. The body of Aimee, aged 13, has never been found.
The citation for the NCO's Air Force Cross says he performed feats of remarkable bravery during the operation on March 13, as towering waves reached as high as the aircraft's rotor blades.
It describes how Master Aircrew Petch disregarded his own safety as he signalled to be lowered into the colossal waves and was repeatedly pummelled by the icy water in an area where rocks lay close to the surface.
The citation continued: "In constant danger of being dashed against the sea wall, it was impossible to place the rescue harness around the casualty, so instead he employed a physical grip to lift the casualty from the maelstrom and over the sea wall to waiting emergency services.
"Having swallowed significant amounts of seawater in the lethal conditions, and showing courage far beyond the call of duty, Master Aircrew Petch signalled to be lifted again.
"With spray from the waves now reaching the helicopter's rotors 65ft above and displaying exceptional bravery in the face of very grave danger, he expertly located and extracted the second casualty... becoming deeply submerged several times in the process."
The airman then joined the search for Aimee and, despite atrocious weather conditions, for more than an hour was repeatedly lowered into the stormy waves, until the aircraft was forced to return to base to refuel.
Last month, an inquest in Scarborough heard how Ms Barrett, 33, died along with her son and daughter. Ms Barrett's boyfriend Jason Johnson, 34, of Horsforth, Leeds, survived the incident along with his eight-year-old son, Alec.
Master Aircrew Petch was with 202 Squadron, based at RAF Leconfield, near Beverley, when his crew was diverted to the incident while returning from a previous rescue mission.
Squadron commander Wing Commander "Bunny" James said it was sad Ms Barrett and her son did not survive. He telephoned Master Aircrew Petch, currently serving in the Falkland Islands, to tell him of his gallantry award, and said he was his "usual modest self".
Master Aircrew Petch, a married father of three, said: "I feel very humbled by this announcement and I am absolutely delighted for the rest of my crew who I feel are equally deserving of this great honour.
"My joy is tempered by sadness though, because despite our combined best efforts, all three of those poor unfortunate souls eventually succumbed to the injuries they sustained."
Two of the officer's colleagues from 202 Squadron – Sergeant Neil Stuart Finch and Flight Lieutenant John Bessford Sheldon – also received Air Force Crosses for heroism on the Isle of Skye last September where two climbers were rescued in bad weather.
Wing Commander James said he was immensely proud to have people such as these in the service.
"Their selflessness and dedication can only be described as totally inspirational and serve as a shining example," he said.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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