Pilot hailed for saving stricken Argyll climber

Published on 22/03/2013 06:46

A Royal Navy pilot has been awarded a medal recognising his courage in saving a stricken climber near Oban.

Lieutenant Commander Craig Sweeney has received the Air Force Cross for leading the rescue of a walker in Argyll in blizzard conditions, plummeting temperatures and pitch darkness.

The pilot described the mission to uplift Gareth Bradley on 3,074ft (937m) Beinn Sgulaird as one of the most challenging rescues he has ever undertaken.

The crew from HMS Gannet in Prestwick, Ayrshire, flew their Sea King helicopter to the aid of Mr Bradley, who had a broken ankle, on December 18, 2011.

Expertise

Lt Comm Sweeney, 38, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, said: “I am very honoured, humbled and proud to receive this award. It was a thorough team effort throughout and it reflects the efforts of all on board that day, not just me.”

“It was intense flying which relied on dozens of years of the whole crew’s experience and expertise, and really full-on team work.

“I had trained and worked with my winchman of that day all around the world and, most notably, had practised the technique both in the Arctic conditions of Norway and the desert sands of Afghanistan.

“It all led to us being able to get the job done safely and as quickly as possible in some of the worst conditions we had experienced.”

Mr Bradley, an engineering lecturer at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Perth, said: “I am very grateful to all those involved who risked their safety to assist me.

“The fact that my rescue was successful was a credit to all involved.

“They were amazing, very professional, they reassured me and talked me through exactly what was happening.

Leadership

“If it wasn’t for these guys I might not be here today. I was extremely relieved to see that helicopter and the aircrewman and mountain rescuers who were winched down to me.

“I pass on my thanks, once again, to Lieutenant Commander Sweeney and his crew.”

HMS Gannet’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Andy Drodge said: “Sweeney demonstrated exceptional levels of leadership, grit and composure enabling him to fly the most demanding sortie of his career.

“He constantly reassured his team and never once did he fly in a manner that put the aircraft in danger.

“In doing so it allowed his team to have absolute confidence in his conduct and decisions, thereby giving focus to the rescue.

“The rescue of the climber, stranded 2,400ft (732m) up, in cloud, on a harsh winter night required outstanding airmanship and courage.”

The pilot joined HMS Gannet in December 2010 and lives close to the unit in Alloway with his wife and three children.

Inspired

This year marks his last in senior service and he will make his final flight at the end of April.

Mr Bradley has not been put off climbing and instead has been inspired to help others.

He previously worked at Liverpool’s John Moores University but moved north of the border to pursue his love of walking and climbing in the Scottish mountains.

He said he hopes to join a mountain rescue team in the near future.