Port Talbot Coastguard

LONG SERVICE AWARDS
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R ITZSTIEN S.O. 24 YEARS Retired due to ill health
G LOCKE D.S.O. 32 YEARS STILL SERVING
A AUBREY S.T.B. 20 YEARS RETIRED
E LOCKE 47 YEARS
S COLLINS 22 YEARS
S LOCKE 1931-1954
Robert (Bob) Utting 1946-1960
J STANFORD 1929-1953
W KENURE 1929-1953
T EVANS 1929-1953
A WILLIAMS 1929-1953
W THOMAS 1925-1946
S WALSINGHAM 1926-1947
A WILLIAMS 1926-1947
P ALFREAD 1926-1947
P BEACHAM 1926-1947
A ALFROD 1926-1947
A HUSSELL 1926-1947
E JAMES 1926-1947
E MINHAN 1926-1947
J DAVIES 1926-1947
W MATHEWS O.B.E. 1922-1944
E TANNER 1921-1943
J PICKFORD 1918-1929
W.G.LOCKE 1910-1930
W FALLA 1908-1928
R RUICK 1908-1928
T DOBBIN 1908-1928

THE CHIEF COASTGUARD COMMENDATION
For Meritorious Service
Following unprecedented levels of rainfall on the 20th July 2007, the civil infrastructure of both Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire was overwhelmed which resulted in substantial damage to property (both commercial and private) and the loss of electricity,sewerage treatment and water supplies.
As part of the multi agency response to this emergency, HM Coastguard personnel undertook the role of delivering water to those who were most vulnerable within the community. In less than ideal conditions Graham and his fellow coastguard rescue officers worked tirelessly in the extreme conditions to ensure that sufficient water and other provisions were supplied on a 24 hour basis to the needy.
Graham`s determination and professionalism throughout this incident are a credit to himself and uphold the finest traditions of her Majesty's Coastguard Service.
The Port Talbot crew where Graham Locke, Dean Jones and Corrine Bell.
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THE CHIEF COASTGUARD COMMENDATION
For Meritorious Service On 18th June 1995 for their part in the successful rescue of a young man from a hole between the tetripods supporting the North Pier, Port Talbot. At 18:11 Swansea MRCC were informed via 999 call that a man had fallen between the Terripods below the north pier,Port Talbot CRT were tasked to attend. On arrival at the scene Graham Locke organised the siting of the rescue equipment and acted as a liaison between the rescue personnel.
Working in an extremely restricted area and against time Port Talbot CRT managed to secure the casualty and effect his rescue. Throughout this rescue time had been a critical factor with the incoming tide rising from ankle level to waist level before the casualty was evacuated. The courage, determination and dedication to duty demonstrated by the Port Talbot CRT was entirely within keeping with the finest traditions of the service. The members that day were Robert Harris, Roger Itzstein , Graham Locke DSO,Leon Murphy Dean Jones, Ken Hanley and Nicola Pearson
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Dads praise for brave rescuers
News Item from 1996

A Port Talbot dad today praised the efforts of coastguards who battled to free his 19-stone son after he became trapped on rocks at Aberavon beach. The rescue began when Craig aged 17, slipped on the rocks, falling and breaking his leg. The coastguard, fire officers, police and an ambulance crew were called to the scene, but their efforts were hampered by the incoming tide, the size of the teenager and the difficulty of his location. It took almost two hours to free him. Yesterday, the coastguard team involved were awarded a commendation for their efforts in last year's incident. Craig's dad, Roy of Sandfields. said the team deserved the top honour. "They did a marvellous job. He's not a small lad, he weighs 19 stone and is 6ft 4ins tall." he said. "Craig had gone onto the rocks to fetch someone's fishing rod when he slipped and fell." Craig is still recovering from his injuries. "Not only did he break his leg but he also had to have an operation to put his knee joint back into its socket, which has left a 20 inch scar," he said. "He was confined to a wheelchair until the beginning of December and still has to go for physiotherapy two or three times a week."

Gardian

THEIR part in rescuing an Injured angler trapped between rocks at Aberavon sea front has earned the Port Talbot Coastguard rescue team a top award. Seven team members who were called to a spot near the North Pier one evening last June found teenager Craig trapped in a hole in the rocks almost 20 feet deep, and with the tide rising. He had fallen as he tried to retrieve a rod he had dropped while fishing off the pier, and his leg was trapped in the rocks. Because of the confined space, Craig's size - he weighed 19 stone - and a broken leg he had sustained in the fall, the rescue was a difficult one. A Coastguard spokesman said the hole into which he had fallen was so small that only two people could work on the rescue at a time. The team members were under some pressure as the tide had turned and Craig had to be rescued quickly.

Stretcher

Anxious not to cause Craig any further pain, they were able to get him onto a stretcher, haul him out and take him to hospital. In recognition of their achievements, the Chief Coastguard has present- presented rescue team members Robert Harris,Graham Locke, Roger Itzstein, Leon Murphy, Dean Jones. Andrew Rossi and Nicola Pearson with a "commendation for a meritorious rescue. ________________________________________

COMMENDATION
Mercantile Marine Department
Board of Trade The Inspector,
H.M.Coastguard
Cambrian Division
Mumbles
C.G.M 23424/32
With reference to his report of the 12th October,and to the reports on the Forms C.G.15 and 15A,forwarded by the District Officer,Mumbles,concerning the calling out of the Port Talbot L.S.A. company on the occasion of the stranding of the "S.S.DELFINA" thirty yards north west of the North Pier,Aberavon Beach, on the 3ed October 1932, the Inspector is informed that the board highly appreciate the excellent manner in which the District Officer,Mumbles, and the whole of the L.S.A. Company carried out this service. The Board observe with great pleasure that the District Officer set a very gallant example to the company when attempts were being made to effect communication with the vessel from the pier head, and that he was very ably seconded by the Volunteer-in-Charge, Mr William Matthews. Under their excellent leadership the whole of the company showed great courage and resource when the rocket apparatus was being transported to the end of the pier under very arduous and risky circumstances. The Board also note with satisfaction the alertness displayed by the Watcher, Mr T.G. Hayes in recognising the distress of the vessel even before she stranded. This Commendation, which has been noted in the Board's records, should be communicated by the Inspector to the District Officer Jeffers and to the Members of the Port Talbot Live-Saving Company. It should also be read on the occasion of the next drill. (Signed) W.J.KILLINGBACK 24 OCTOBER 1932

Letters of Appreciation
1st September 2000 South Wales Police
SWP

Dear Sir/Madam I write to you in connection with an incident that occurred on the 8th August 2000 at Aberavon Beach,Port Talbot Police were called to the scene when it was clearly indicated that a person (note:we will not name cas on this site)had entered the sea with the intention of taking his own life.
Police Officers entered the water in order to locate the cas and the Inshore Rescue boat was launched The actions of the Lifeboat and Coastguard members was of the highest standard of professionalism and without the Inshore Rescue boat there is little doubt that the cas may of lost his life.
I do not know the names of the persons concerned in the Inshore boat that evening but could you convey to them my thanks and commendation for their efforts in the rescue signed by Superintendent H E Murray

Rescue From The Sea - Aberavon 6th september 2000
I have received from Superintendent Murray,South Wales Police , A letter of commendation,regarding a rescue that was conducted by your team and the lifeboat,on the 8th of August at Aberavon Beach Under the circumstances this must of been a difficult rescue,that demanded an enormous amount of skill and effort in rescuing the person from the water It fills me with enormous pride,and satisfaction when one of our teams is commended by another emergency service that recognises the skill,effort,and professionalism displayed during a rescue. It Reads It gives me great pleasure in conveying Supt Murrays thanks to all concerned in this excellent rescue Mr G Andrews District Controller Swansea District

Search for Missing Angler 27th October 1997
This letter refers to a very sad shout for us when a angler lost his life on Swansea Docks in 1997. We were called in to Search along side Porthcawl and Mumbles C.G.Teams it reads Well done all those involved in the search for the missing angler off Swansea East Pier breakwater on the 27th October 1997 You are to be congratulated for your determined and selfless actions during this prolonged incident in bad weather conditions its is signed by M.A.Osborne District Controller

SWP

Incident at Briton Ferry Bridge
South Wales Police CHIEF CONSTABLE Dear Sir/Madam
I write to you in connection with the above incident where,as you know,a male person jumped from Briton Ferry Bridge.The purpose in my writing to you is the hope that you bring this letter and its contents to all the other Agencies involved in this particular incident.
As Divisional Commander I was delighted to hear that both yourselves,the Port Talbot Life Boat Crew,The Auxiliary Coastguard Port Talbot,the Mumbles Auxiliary Coastguard,the R.A.F. Rescue 169 at Chivenor all did an excellent job in your attempts to rescue the gentleman concerned.
You will probably know by now that he is still detained at Morriston Hospital with a fractured spine but it would appear that he will make a full recovery following the fallOnce again,my sincere thanks and gratitude to all concerned and as I said earlier could you please pass on my congratulations to your colleagues signed by Superintendent H E Murray

Incident at Briton Ferry Bridge 18/8/01
It gives me great pleasure in sending you a copy of a letter I have received from Superintendent H E Murray of South Wales Police,regarding a resent incident involving a young man that leapt from Briton Ferry Bridge The efforts of all concerned has been greatly appreciated,and the fact that the jumper will now make a full recovery,is once again evidence of the quick,and efficient response by all services concerned.
I would be grateful if you would convey the thanks of Superintendent Murray,and my own to all those concerned in this incident.
Signed G Andrews District Controller Swansea District H.M.Coastguard