Prestwick helicopter crew honoured for yacht rescue off Barra

HM Coastguard said on 19 October 2026 that the crew of its Prestwick-based helicopter, Rescue 199, had been given the Edward and Maisie Lewis Award for rescuing an injured yachtsman around 40 miles southwest of Barra in September 2025.

According to HM Coastguard, the Stornoway helicopter R948 was originally tasked to the incident but had to stand down after its winch paramedic was injured. Rescue 199 from Prestwick was sent instead and completed the operation in what the team described as difficult conditions at sea.

The four crew members named by HM Coastguard as Jamie Ross, Harry Howell, Alan Robertson and Mark Warters received the award at the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society's annual general meeting at Fishmongers' Hall in London on 6 October 2026.

Deputy Chief Coastguard John Craig said recipients of the award "demonstrate exceptional courage, skill, and bravery in pursuit of saving lives" and that the crew's actions "saved the life of a seriously injured seafarer in exceptionally challenging maritime conditions."

HM Coastguard said a separate Rescue 199 crew, comprising Mark Randall, Harry Howell, David Rigg and James Vallance, was commended at the same event for rescuing a solo kayaker who suffered a medical episode on 9 August 2025. The casualty was winched aboard and taken to hospital, the team said.

About the award

The Edward and Maisie Lewis Award is presented by the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society in honour of a couple whose work supported maritime welfare and air-sea rescue over many years, according to HM Coastguard. (HM Coastguard (national body))

About HM Coastguard

HM Coastguard is the UK's emergency service for the coast and sea, reachable by calling 999, and it also carries out wider duties including maritime security and pollution response, according to its website. (HM Coastguard (national body))

Staying safe

Anyone heading out on or near the water is advised to check the weather and tides in advance, carry appropriate equipment, and make sure their skills match the conditions expected, according to AdventureSmart UK. (adventuresmart.uk)

Read HM Coastguard (national body)’s original post on its website.

Sources

1. Award winning rescue for HM Coastguard’s Prestwick helicopter crew HM Coastguard (national body)
2. HM Coastguard (national body) website HM Coastguard (national body)
3. AdventureSmart UK has advice on planning a safe day outdoors. adventuresmart.uk