An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 19 by, the Spanish fishing vessel, Nuestra Senora de Gardtoza, (Our Lady of Gardtoza) had run aground on rocks near Roan- carrigmore Light, North East of Bere Island in Bantry Bay. She was taking water and she had 16 souls onboard. LÉ DEIRDRE received the 'MAYDAY' at 2100hrs and as quickly as she could, the crew weighed anchor and headed out of shelter into the severe gale towards the distressed vessel. The decision was taken to launch the ships Gemini to at- tempt a rescue, this was due to no helicopter support being available and there was no way to manoeuvre LÉ DEIRDRE in close to the vessel due to the weather. Leading Seaman Mi- chael Quinn, a native of Drogheda along with Able Seaman Paul Kellett from Dublin volunteered to crew the Gemini as boat Coxswain & Bowman respectively. The highly experi- enced seamen committed to their perilous task, while know- ing the risks, in the face of the horrendous conditions. Once the Gemini manoeuvred close enough to the 'Gardtoza' it quickly became apparent that boarding the stricken ves- sel and affecting a rescue would not be possible. Unable to board L/Sea Quinn took the decision to attempt to return to his vessel, when disaster struck. The wind & waves capsized the Gemini and cast both sailors into the waves and churn- ing waters. DEREEN COVE The brave comrades were separated in the darkness and an exhausted A/Sea Kellett was washed ashore on rocks near Dereen cove. Only concerned with raising the alarm and finding his shipmate, he pushed himself through the barrier of utter exhaustion; he clambered up over the jagged rocks, as they tore flesh from his naked feet, until he managed to reach the main road. A passing Garda patrol picked him up and he passed the message that L/Sea Quinn was lost out there in the blackness. There were soon two operations underway, an RAF Sea King Helicopter arrived to successfully rescue the crew of the Gardtoza and a number of merchant vessels joined LÉ DEIR- DRE in searching for L/Sea Quinn. Sadly, the next morning at 0800hrs an Air Corps Dauphin helicopter on a search pattern 3 miles to the east of location of the tragedy, sighted and then recovered the body of Lead- ing Seaman Quinn. BRAVERY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY L/Sea Quinn was only 27 when he died and the survivor A/ Sea Kellett was only 21. Their courage and their commit- ment to the each other, the Naval Service and the nation is an example of the spirit of Óglaigh na hÉireann, which shone as brightly in these two young men as it has ever shone in any patriot. In recognition of his unselfish bravery and devotion to duty, the Distinguished Service Medal was posthumously awarded to L/Sea Quinn. The King of Spain also made a posthumous award of the Spanish Cross of Naval Merit in recognition of his brave attempts to rescue the Spanish crew. A/Sea Kellett was also awarded both medals in equal recognition of his bravery and dedication to duty. The Defence Forces has a set of values, which all are encour- aged to try to not just say, but to live by. Respect, Loyalty, Selflessness, Physical Courage, Moral Courage and Integrity. The story of the courage and selflessness of L/Sea Michael Quinn DSM and Mr Paul Kellett DSM are an example of those values in action, and the terrible price that is sometimes paid so that others may live. Go Mairidis Beo. Borne by comrades, L/Sea Quinn DSM is laid to rest with full military honours

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