Assistant Chief Coastguard Richard Hackwell officially opened Needles Coastguard Rescue Team’s new station at Golden Hill Fort, Freshwater on Saturday night.
The occasion was well attended by current and former team members, family, friends and colleagues from HM Coastguard and other search and rescue organisations – although the press were not invited.
Needles CRT moved into their new base back in October after spending more than 40 years at Totland, as previously reported by Island Echo.
As part of the evening of celebration, which also saw the King’s Coronation medal presented to Needles Coastguard Rescue Officers by High Sheriff Graham Biss, both Needles CRT and Ventnor CRT received team awards in recognition of a rescue carried out in August 2023.
It was at Watcombe Bay that a young family had been cut off by a strong dumping swell. A rope rescue was carried out to bring the family back to safety at the cliff top. Formal certificates were presented along with a Chief Coastguard Commendation for the rope technician who undertook the extrication, with the youngest casualty being just 5 years old.
Andrew Woodford, Senior Coastal Operations Officer covering the Isle of Wight, has said:
“The most fantastic evening was held at the Needles Coastguard Station – opened by Assistant Chief Coastguard Richard Hackwell, marking a historic moment for the team which will serve them and the community for many more years to come.
“A huge thanks to everyone who joined us from across the Island to mark this event.”
Tom Wyreth, Station Officer of Needles Coastguard Rescue team, adds:
“The evening exceeded my expectations with virtually all those invited making an appearance and an honour to have ACC Richard Hackwell and the High Sheriff Graham Biss in attendance. The standard of food for the buffet provided by the partners of the team was simply amazing – I can’t thank them enough, and also to the team members who’s cleaning efforts have been underway all week to make sure the building was in tip-top condition ready for the event.
“It’s a privilege to lead the team forward working from this new facility that will further aid HMCG’s Search and Rescue operations on the Island. The investment shown by the MCA Estates team is profoundly appreciated”.