Coxswain Phil Burgess was presented with a framed "Thanks of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution" on vellum, signed by RNLI President The Duke of Kent and RNLI senior figures. It was in recognition of his outstanding seamanship and leadership during the long rescue operation.  The crew - David Hill, Roger Legge, Louis Mitchell, Sam Ward, Jonathan Bray and Darren Thirlaway - were also presented with framed Vellum Service Certificates for their dedication and work that night.  Mr Burgess paid tribute to the crew who, he said, had been in more danger than him as they were out on deck during the worst of the action. "I wish I could cut this award into seven pieces so that every one of them could have a piece," he said.  After the awards had been presented, Mr Burgess received a surprise second certificate and gift from branch President Dr Geoffrey Wood for 30 years' service to The Lizard lifeboat. Crew member Michael Legge also received a certificate and gift for his 30 years' service.  The 10th award of the evening went to crew member Richard Woodmansey, who received a 20-year long-service badge.  The dinner-dance at The Polurrian Hotel, Mullion, was attended by more than 100 people - crew, families, friends and supporters.

Picture caption: The crew of The Lizard lifeboat David Robinson at Falmouth on their return from the all-night rescue. From the left: Sam Ward, Jonathan Bray, Louis Mitchell, Phil Burgess, Darren Thirlaway, David Hill and Roger Legge.

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