Yacht rescue sailors receive King's bravery award

Chief Petty Officer Stephen Froom (left) was the first on and last off the sinking yacht

Two Royal Navy sailors have received awards for saving people aboard a sinking yacht.

Chief Petty Officer Stephen Froom and Able Seaman Alfie Hulme battled terrible conditions off the Isle of Wight last November to save the five yachtsmen on the broken-down boat.

They earned the King's Commendation for Bravery for their heroic efforts, announced in the latest Operational Honours issued by the Ministry of Defence and approved by His Majesty.

The pair were onboard destroyer HMS Diamond which is already the subject of a lifesaving award for the ship collectively.

The crew of HMS Diamond, led by Chief Petty Officer Froom, intervened to prevent the yacht from sinking

Chief Petty Officer Froom said: "I was initially embarrassed as I don't like the limelight."

“I feel proud and humbled to be recognised for something I perceive as just doing my job." he continued.

Able Seaman Hulme navigated and steered HMS Diamond's seaboat during the rescue.

He used his experience to operate the craft in challenging conditions including darkness, heavy seas and strong winds.

He manoeuvred the boat safely alongside the yacht when it became necessary to evacuate three of the crew and, when one fell in the sea, was in position for the yachtsman to be quickly recovered.

In total, three trips were made by Able Seaman Hulme to either ferry the crew to safety or deliver specialists and equipment, remaining on hand until the last safe moment to return to his ship.