An almost unprecedented number – nine – crew from a single Search & Rescue (SAR) team – the twenty-man HMS Gannet – based at Prestwick and often in action around Argyll and west coast waters – have been honoured for outstanding bravery.

The unit covers a 98,000 sq mile area from the Northern Irish coast to the Lake District, to Edinburgh and to Ben Nevis. In 2008 it was the busiest SAR unit in the UK  for the second consecutive year, with 347 rescues to its name.

But the 8 crew were  honoured specifically for two operations. The main one was when the ferry Riverdance started listing badly in high winds in the waters off Blackpool in January 2008. The HMS Gannet crew winched 23 people off safely in extremely difficult conditions. There was also a significant rescue in Loch Long in Argyll.

• Two members were awarded the Air Force Cross – Lieutenant Commander Martin Lanni and Lieutenant Mike Paulet.
• Two members were awarded  the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air – Lt Cdr Martin Ford and Petty Officer Darren Craig.
• Four members were awarded the Commander in Chief Fleet Commendation – Flight Sergeant Euan Gibson, Lt Olivia Millies and Lt Tony Sherwin.
• One member was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal – Leading air crewman Kevin Regan.