The 2026 Billy Deacon Search and Rescue (SAR) Memorial Trophy has today been awarded to James O’Neill, a Winch Paramedic based at Shannon, Ireland.
O’Neill, who also received an inscribed Breitling watch, was presented with the award by Peter Sparkes, the Chief Executive of the RNLI, at the Air League’s annual reception ceremony at the House of Commons, London.
An employee of Bristow Ireland – which delivers aviation services on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard from bases at Shannon, Weston, Sligo and Waterford – the following award citation for O’Neill relates to his actions on 14 December 2026.
The fishing vessel, Fastnet, suffered engine failure soon after leaving Dingle Harbour. It was then driven ashore at the base of steep cliffs. Pounded by a relentless Atlantic swell and near gale force winds, it was in danger of capsize or breaking up and its 14 crew were in a life-threatening situation.
The rescue helicopter based at Shannon arrived on scene at 12:20 and its Captain and crew prepared for a winching operation. With great skill and precision by Winch Operator Eamonn O’Broin, James was placed aboard. Once on board, James was exposed to the full force of the conditions and had to cope with numerous hazards on board the tilting and moving deck. He managed to locate the 14 crew who were sheltering in the wheelhouse. Afraid for their lives and in an anxious state, James reassured them, and after locating the best winching area, organised them with a calm assertiveness, for evacuation.
Under extreme pressure and showing superb professionalism in a high-risk environment, James briefed and prepared the crew for winching. He then prioritised the evacuation order, managed the high line and calmly facilitated the lifting of the crew, two at a time, up to the rescue helicopter, all while coping with the unstable deck, relentless pounding of the Atlantic swell, near gale force winds and the hazards of the cluttered and slippery deck.
The winching operation took an exhausting 50 minutes to complete, with the helicopter transferring the entire crew in two sorties to a prepared landing site on the cliff top. On completion, James himself was winched to the safety of the helicopter.
The Winch Operator, Eamonn O’Broin, did a tremendous job, ensuring each crew member was assessed and safely seated before continuing.
Throughout this demanding and risky operation, James acted with great skill, outright courage and professionalism, which ensured an efficient rescue with no injuries sustained. He is totally deserving of The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy.
George Rawlinson MBE, the Chair of the Award Committee, said: “This incredibly demanding rescue was completed with a calm professionalism, despite considerable personal risk to James. James showed magnificent leadership skills in organising the 14 crew for evacuation [and] prioritising their safety at considerable risk to himself. His courage in the face of adversity had a direct bearing on the successful outcome.
“Immense credit too, to the Winch Operator Eamonn O’Broin, for his focus and skill throughout this long winching operation. Also to the flight crew of Captain Robert Goodbody and Co-Pilot Paraic Slattery, who managed the safe operation of the aircraft throughout, keeping the helicopter positioned above Fastnet while she pitched dramatically in the swell and ensuring the casualties were safely transported to land.
“This service was a multi-agency response and exemplified good leadership, team work and communication in a very demanding situation and sums up the commitment of those involved to save life at considerable risk to themselves.
“Deserved additional recognition should go to the expert co-ordination of the service by Valentia Coast Guard and considerable contributions from Valentia RNLI Lifeboat and the Dingle Coastguard Rescue team.”
About the award
The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy is awarded to Winch Paramedics and/or Winch Operators from contracted (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) helicopter bases operating in the UK and Irish SAR regions for meritorious service during SAR helicopter operations. Sponsored by Bristow Helicopters and Onboard Systems, the trophy was established in the memory of Mr Billy Deacon, winchman for Bristow, who was tragically lost while carrying out his duty on behalf of the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Isles in 1997.
