Presentation of the Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy 2025
Chris Purkiss, Winch Paramedic at Lydd SAR, honored for lifesaving mission in extreme conditions
The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue (SAR) Memorial Trophy 2025 has been awarded to Chris Purkiss, Winch Paramedic at the Lydd Search and Rescue Helicopter Base in Kent, UK. The award recognizes meritorious service by winch paramedics and/or winch operators from contracted Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter bases across the UK and Irish SAR regions.
Purkiss, who serves with Bristow Group, delivering helicopter SAR services across the UK on behalf of His Majesty’s Coastguard, received the trophy for his exceptional performance during a high-risk maritime rescue on 4 July 2024, off Newhaven Harbour.
The trophy, accompanied by an inscribed Breitling watch, was presented on 9 July by Michael Vlasto OBE at the Air League’s Annual Reception Ceremony held at the House of Commons, London. The award is officially sponsored by Bristow Helicopters and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch.
During the operation on 4 July last year, the Coastguard’s Search and Rescue Helicopter, Rescue163, based at Lydd, was tasked to recover a lone yachtsman whose vessel was being driven onto the Newhaven breakwater in near gale-force winds and heavy seas.
Despite the challenging conditions, Purkiss was lowered onto the wrecked yacht and managed to secure and extract the injured sailor without the use of a rescue strop. After both were winched clear of the wreckage, Purkiss administered critical first aid, and the casualty was transferred to Brighton Hospital.
George Rawlinson MBE, Award Committee Chair, commented: “This time-critical, incredibly demanding rescue was completed despite considerable personal risk. Chris showed, skill, physical strength and mental resilience, risking his own life to save another, while being submerged in breaking seas several times. It is a richly deserved award in the best traditions of the maritime rescue service, and he is to be congratulated for his selfless, meritorious act of gallantry.”
Earlier this year, Bristow Group and Sikorsky signed a long-term agreement to provide enhanced support for Bristow’s S-92 helicopter fleet.