Bravery award for rescuing boys

The boys were trapped chest-deep by the rising tide in the cave at Castlerock

A Portrush lifeboatman is to be awarded a bravery medal for rescuing two teenage boys who were trapped chest-deep in a flooding cave near Castlerock.

A dramatic land, sea and air rescue operation was launched when the boys became trapped by the rising tide on 5 August earlier this year.

Anthony Chambers, a mechanic and RNLI crew member, volunteered to swim twice into the cave in almost total darkness and saved the teenagers one at a time.

The RNLI lauded his "selfless courage".

The 50-year old is set to receive the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's bronze medal for gallantry.

'Real danger'

The rescued boys, 13-year-old Matthew Forsythe and 14-year-old Rhys Sufferin, said they had been afraid they would die in the cave and thanked Mr Chambers for "risking his life" to get them out.

Anthony Chambers is to be awarded the first RNLI medal in 27 years (Pic: RNLI/Mark Jamieson)

RNLI Divisional Inspector for Ireland, Martyn Smith, said there was no doubt that the boys were in "very real danger" and added the crewman's actions were "critical in saving the boys' lives".

"The actions of Mechanic Chambers in making two entries to the cave to rescue the boys demonstrated selfless courage without regard for his own safety.

"Entry into the cave required immense physical and mental effort, especially as he was hindered on both occasions by the additional lifejacket and helmet carried for each boy."

He described how Mr Chambers had to swim continuously for half an hour "in surging swells, often colliding the cave walls".

The boys were brought to hospital by a waiting helicopter and were treated for hypothermia and shock.

'Outstanding' team

It is the first RNLI medal to be awarded in Northern Ireland for nearly three decades.

The contribution of other crew members, who "exhibited outstanding teamwork and professionalism" during the rescue operation will also be recognised.

Inshore lifeboat helmsman Gerard Bradley who "repeatedly manoeuvred his craft in the rocky sea area at the mouth of the cave, where conditions were turbulent" is to be awarded a "Letter of Thanks" signed by the RNLI's chairman.

Portrush inshore lifeboat crew members Karl O'Neill and Jonathon Weston, along with their colleagues on the all-weather lifeboat, William McAuley, David Conley, Gary McLaughlin, Adrian Tohill and Ivan Bell, will each receive RNLI "Medal Service Certificates".