PRESTWICK’S Bristow’s search and rescue crew have received an award for their recent lifesaving mission.

The Sikorsky Winged-S Rescue Award was given to the team after the extraordinary mission in the North Atlantic in May this year when the crew rescued 22-year-old Matthew Bryce, who was stranded at sea for 32 hours. 

Matthew had ventured out from the west coast of Scotland to enjoy a day of surfing on a Sunday morning. Authorities were alerted the following day, and, after an extensive multi-agency air and sea search lasting several hours, Bryce was found by the Bristow Prestwick crew, drifting off the coast of Northern Ireland. 

During a mission lasting more than six hours, the crew of Rescue 999 hoisted Bryce from the sea that Monday evening and was safely transported to a Belfast hospital and later recovered.

The award was presented to Bristow UK SAR Project Manager Neil Ebberson on September 12, 2017, during the 2017 Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition. 

The Bristow crew members being recognised are Captain Andy Pilliner, Co-pilot Frans Porrenga, Winch Operator Rob Seall and Winchman Paramedic Duncan Tripp.

UK MCA Aviation Assistant Director Damien Oliver, said: “We have been successfully operating S-92 helicopters for more than ten years.
“The high reliability of our S-92 helicopter fleet throughout that time has been absolutely critical to our time-sensitive mission.”

Bristow UK SAR Project Manager Neil Ebberson, added: “Bristow is proud to operate the S-92 helicopter to fulfill the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s mission to save lives, and our team is honoured to receive this recognition. 

“Sikorsky’s legacy in lifesaving, coupled with the latest technology of the S-92 helicopter, provides an outstanding solution for the high operational demands of our SAR business.”