By Paul Jeeves
An RAF rescue winchman has been honoured for his attempts to save a Leeds family who died after they were washed into the North Sea.
Master Aircrew Nick Petch was the winchman of a Sea King helicopter which was called to Scarborough, North Yorkshire, after reports that five people, including three children, were in severe difficulty.
Kim Barrett, 33, of West Park, Leeds, died along with her 11-year-old son Luke Greenwood and 13-year-old daughter Aimee Greenwood after they were swept from the sea wall by a massive wave.
According to an RAF spokesman, the NCO performed feats of remarkable bravery during the operation in March as 60ft waves reached as high as the aircraft's rotor blades.
As a result of his actions he has been awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC).
The spokesman said: "Master Aircrew Petch assessed the situation and, seeing that lives were at immediate risk, prepared himself to be winched.
"With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he signalled to be lowered into the raging sea. Rescuing the first casualty, he was repeatedly pummelled and submerged by the freak waves in an area where sharp rocks lay close beneath the surface.
"In constant danger of being dashed against the sea wall, it was impossible to place the rescue harness around the casualty, so instead he employed a physical grip to lift the casualty from the maelstrom and over the sea wall to waiting emergency services.
Seawater
"Having swallowed significant amounts of seawater in the lethal conditions, and showing courage far beyond the call of duty, Master Aircrew Petch signalled to be lifted again and carried back to the second casualty."
It was Miss Barrett and her son who were plucked from the water by the RAF man. Last month the Scarborough coroner heard that the young girl's body has never been recovered.
Miss Barrett's boyfriend Jason Johnson, 34, of Horsforth, Leeds, survived the incident along with his son Alec, eight.
Master Aircrew Petch was with 202 Squadron based at RAF Leconfield, near Beverley, when his crew was alerted.
He said: "I feel very humbled by this announcement and I am absolutely delighted for the rest of my crew who I feel are equally deserving of this great honour.
"My joy is tempered by sadness though, because despite our combined best efforts, all three of those poor unfortunate souls eventually succumbed."
paul.jeeves@ypn.co.uk