Darren (Dazzler) Keal has been recommended for an award by Rod Johson the Chief Coastguard, Darren will be one of six throughout the UK in 2009. It was for his recue attempt on a cliff face at night in storm conditions he was the one who volunteered to carry out the rescue.
CHIEF COASTGUARDS COMMENDATION FOR EXCEPTIONAL AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN 2009
Darren Keal of Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team for the rescue of a man trapped at the foot of 80 metre high cliffs, in storm conditions, on the 6th November 2009. Despite gusting winds, driving rain and 2 metre seas, in which the helicopter couldnt operate, Darren volunteered to be the cliff man. In failing light and awful conditions he was lowered down to the casualty and after some 35 minutes the man was recovered to safety. Darren's courage made the difference between life and death for the man.
FROM THIS IS CORNWALL
"I am Brian Noel and the survivor, I am very happy to say, of this incident. I was very foolish to put myself and others at risk. I should have known better. I had walked from Whipsiderry to Watergate once before, in April, and thought I knew the lay of the land, but not well enough. Had I started ten minutes earlier, I would have made it round the last headland before the tide was too high; so it was a combination of bad judgment and bad luck.
My heartfelt thanks to those many people involved in the rescue. In particular I remember Darren, who was very calm and reassuring for the tricky ascent up the overhanging cliff face, but I greatly appreciate the work of all the other team members. No wonder I am smiling broadly in the photo of my arrival at the top of the cliff."