Hero awards for pair who saved mud-trapped girls from rising water

Blythe CRT with (front row, l-r) Coastal Operations Area Commander Martin Lowe; Scott Reed; Jon Wright and Peter Liley from Tynemouth Medal Trust; Sean Robinson and Ryan Douglas
Blythe CRT with (front row, l-r) Coastal Operations Area Commander Martin Lowe; Scott Reed; Jon Wright and Peter Liley from Tynemouth Medal Trust; Sean Robinson and Ryan Douglas
 
A pair of Coastguards who rescued three children trapped in mud with water up to their necks have received awards inspired by the bravery of a Coastguard colleague more than 130 years earlier. 

The lifesaving actions of Scott Reed and Sean Robinson, Coastguard Rescue Officers from Blyth, were recognised with Bronze certificates from the Tynemouth Medal Trust as well as Chief Coastguard commendations. 

The incident on Saturday 10 June 2023 started at about 7pm when HM Coastguard received a 999 call from a mother stating that her daughter and two other young girls were stuck in the mud at the River Blyth with the tide coming in. 

Blyth and Newbiggin Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRTs) were sent along with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Blyth RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, and the North East Ambulance Service.  

When Blyth CRT arrived on the scene a rescue plan was quickly produced involving Scott going into the water as a rescue swimmer to pick up one of the girls and bring her back to shore. 

Sean went in next, at the end of a tethered line, and in two visits to the water brought out the last two girls safe and sound. 

At a special ceremony, Scott and Sean were presented with Bronze certificates from the Tynemouth Medal Trust. It distributes accolades for heroic deeds either within the Tyne or nearby sea, or by Tynesiders away from their home area. 

The trust was established in 1895, inspired by the bravery of Tynemouth Coastguard Edwin Hoar who, on 13 October 1891, risked his life to successfully bring ashore the last sailor trapped on a ship driven onto nearby rocks. 

Ryan Douglas, Senior Coastal Operations Officer who leads Blyth CRT, said: “The actions of Scott and Sean undoubtedly saved three children’s lives, continuing the fine traditions of HM Coastguard. 

“Their professionalism, dedication to training and commitment to lifesaving meant that they were able to execute three effective water rescues.” 

Ryan added: “The mum deserves credit too. She did the right thing by staying on shore, calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. Mud can be much more treacherous than it looks – tide, cold and pressure can combine to be deadly, so our advice is to steer clear.” 

Scott and Sean’s efforts were also rewarded by HM Coastguard with a Chief Coastguard commendation which is given for bravery or exceptionally meritorious service. 

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