Flint RNLI volunteers honoured for life-saving rescues

Three members of Flint RNLI have received formal recognition for their roles in two rescue operations that saved three lives and assisted another in autumn 2024.

Volunteer crew Erin Brown, Carly McCarthy and David Upson were each presented with a framed Letter of Thanks from RNLI Regional Operations Lead, Ryan Jennings, for their professionalism and quick action during emergencies at sea and along the River Dee.

The first rescue took place in September 2024, when Erin Brown was part of a crew responding to an emergency call. She transferred to the casualty vessel to administer care and bring the individual safely onboard the lifeboat.

In his letter, Jennings praised Brown for her “care, reassurance, and ability to gain the casualty’s trust.” He added that her “quick thinking and calm approach undoubtedly made a difference in this rescue.”

A second Letter of Thanks recognised the actions of Brown, McCarthy and Upson during two separate callouts in October 2024, which occurred during Storm Ashley.

The first involved helping two people stranded on a broken-down yacht. The crew then responded to another incident in Connah’s Quay, where a person had become trapped knee-deep in rising water.

The letter commended the trio for their “professionalism, dedication, and courage,” noting how they were able to “adapt, act decisively, and work as a team under challenging and changeable conditions.”

Wayne Kerfoot, Flint Lifeboat Operations Manager, said the Letters of Thanks were a testament to the hard work and commitment of the volunteer crew.

“These Letters of Thanks reflect the dedication, skill, and teamwork of our volunteers,” he said. “Despite challenging conditions, their commitment to saving lives and upholding the RNLI’s One Crew principles by working together with shared purpose and values to ensure the best possible outcomes for those in need.”