Two Torbay fishermen who risked their lives in a struggle to save a drowning colleague have received another bravery medal.
Joseph Fellowes, of Brixham, and John-Paul Kimble, of Paignton, have both been awarded Merchant Navy medals for trying to save the life of fellow Brixham fisherman, James Grindy.
The pair went into the sea at night, without a thought for their own safety and without lifejackets, in a desperate bid to rescue Mr Grindy after he fell overboard as they fished in the rough seas of the English Channel off the French coast in November 2009.
They managed to get the 24-year-old back on board the Korenbloem fishing vessel.
He was airlifted by helicopter to a naval vessel but, sadly, died.
Captain Matthew Eastden, chairman of the Merchant Navy Medal Committee, said: "Joseph and John-Paul were awarded the medals for the recognition of their selfish courage in rescuing a colleague who had fallen overboard.
"They were following the highest tradition of British fishermen in looking after each other.
"The tragic outcome in the end should not be taken away from what they did in risking their own lives."
Mr Fellowes received his award from the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Eric Dancer, at a special ceremony at the Berry Head Hotel which was attended by local dignitaries including the High Sherriff of Devon Elizabeth D'Erlanger, Torbay Council chairman Cllr Matthew Phillips and Brixham Town Council Chairman Cllr Martyn Hodge. Mr Kimble could not make the award ceremony as he was at sea.
The award was accepted on his behalf by Jim Portus, chief executive of the South Western Fish Producer Organisation.
Mr Fellowes said he was 'proud' and 'honoured' to receive the award. "I thought it was great," he said. "There were a lot of people there, it's a nice medal and I felt proud to receive it."
Last year, the fishermen were awarded Royal Humane Society Bronze Medals, which are among the highest civilian bravery awards, on the recommendation of the port's Fishermen's Mission.
John Anderson, mission superintendent, also nominated the pair for the Merchant Navy medals.
He said: "A lot of people do not realise just what the situation is when you are out there in the elements.
"For Joseph and John-Paul to act without hesitation and put their own lives at risk to try and save a fellow mate, somebody they knew well who was the same sort of age and one of their buddies, to throw themselves out trying to effect a rescue without considering their own well-being says a lot for them.
"The bottom line is they risked their lives to save someone else and that is what has been recognised with these medals."
