Peel members recognised for their response to two challenging incidents
A group of volunteers from Peel's lifeboat crew have been recognised for their 'exceptional' lifesaving actions at sea.
The RNLI members were commended for their response to two challenging incidents in 2024 and 2025.
The first was the Chief Executive's Commendations following a complex yacht rescue in severe conditions.
Crew members Juan Owens and Coxswain Mike Faragher were recognised exceptional seamanship, teamwork and leadership during difficult rescue operations.
In August 2024, they responded to reports that a vessel had sunk and people were in the water 17 nautical miles west of Peel.
They launched at night into heavy seas and Force 7 winds when they found a de-masted yacht with three people on board.
The conditions were too bad to be able to transfer the casualties too the lifeboat safely, so Juan went aboard the yacht alongside a crew member from Donaghadee RNLI.
Together, they cleared the damaged mast and rigging so a tow could be established and the yacht and its crew could be brought safely back to Peel.
The second incident received the RNLI Medical Director's Commendation.
Coxswain Mike Faragher and volunteer Crew Members Neil Moore, Will Senior, Jason Spooner and Chloe Spooner were recognised for their excellence in casualty care and medical response during lifesaving operations.
In 2025, while carrying out a routine training exercise, the crew heard a critical Mayday call from a small vessel taking on water around seven miles away.
Volunteer Tony Elder, who was on the initial training exercise at the time as a trainee crew member, also supported the crew during the incident. Tony has received a RNLI certificate from the station, recognising his part in the crew response.
Paul Thompson, Peel RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, says: "These awards recognise some of the very best qualities of our volunteers. The Chief Executive's Commendations highlight exceptional seamanship and determination in extremely challenging conditions, while the Medical Director's Commendations recognise outstanding casualty care when every second counted.
"We are incredibly proud of everyone involved. Whether launching to rescue people from a disabled yacht or responding to a life-threatening medical emergency, our volunteers apply their training, teamwork and professionalism to help those in need.
"These commendations are a reflection not only of those recognised, but of the wider crew and supporters who help keep our lifeboat service ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
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