Heroic Coastguard Paramedic Scores Top Search and Rescue Honour for Death-Defying Newhaven Rescue
Coastguard Winch Paramedic Snatches Sailor from Certain Death
Chris Purkiss, a winch paramedic with the Lydd-based R163 Coastguard Rescue Helicopter team, has bagged one of the UK’s highest search and rescue awards for a nail-biting rescue off Newhaven, East Sussex.
The brave medic was handed the prestigious Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy at the House of Commons on 9 July. The trophy honours gallantry in maritime rescues and is awarded by the Air League’s Annual Reception Ceremony.
Peril on the Breakwater: Sailor Trapped in Wrecked Yacht
Last July, emergency services scrambled to a yacht smashed against Newhaven Breakwater during fierce gale-force winds and pounding seas. A lone sailor was trapped as the vessel was breaking apart on jagged rocks.
Under terrifying conditions, Purkiss was winched down to the doomed yacht. With the rescue strop unusable, he clung onto the sailor with raw strength amid crashing waves and debris. Then, finally, both were hoisted to safety by the helicopter crew.
Eyewitness Captures the Harrowing Rescue
“At one point, I thought they lost the winchman. The bravery shown in this video is just incredible. The wind was so strong that holding a camera was difficult enough — let alone conducting a life-or-death rescue in those conditions,” said a Sussex News admin who filmed the tense operation.
“Massive shout out to the helicopter crew, Newhaven Lifeboat, Newhaven Coastguard, and Birling Gap Coastguard. It’s a miracle they got the man out alive. An award well deserved.”
High Praise from Award Committee
George Rawlinson MBE, Chair of the Award Committee, hailed Purkiss’s heroism: “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 — all while being submerged in breaking seas several times. It is a richly deserved award in the best traditions of maritime rescue.”
A Team Effort to Remember
The daring rescue was a coordinated effort involving Newhaven RNLI, the local Coastguard teams from Newhaven and Birling Gap, and the Coastguard helicopter.
This breathtaking incident showcases the guts, teamwork, and relentless dedication of our emergency heroes who regularly battle the elements to save lives — no matter how savage the sea.
