An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir March 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie 18 | uPholdiNg the MariNer'S code By a/coMoP david Kelly - Photos By l/coMoP stePhen Morrissey, le eithne and courtesy of the irish naval association C ourage, respect, integrity, loyalty, four defence forces' values that adorn every billet from finner camp to haulbowline, and firmly embed themselves in the psyche and consciousness of recruits and cadets. The awarding of the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) reflects and highlights the bravery, courage, leadership and devotion to duty of servicemen and women who go above and beyond the call of duty, often risking their own lives or paying the ultimate sacrifice and, in the case of Naval Service person- nel, upholding the mariner's code. The week of 28th January to 3rd February 2018 has been both a heartrending and humbling one for the Service with 30th January marking the 28th anniversary of the tragic death of Leading Seaman Michael Quinn DSM, the Drogheda na- tive who drowned while attempting to rescue the crew of a stricken Spanish fishing vessel, Nuestra Senora de Gardtoza, near Roancarrigmore Light, Lawrence Cove, while on 2nd February a DSM and commendations were awarded to Naval Service members in recognition of outstanding service during Operation Seabight in 2008. Although separated by almost three decades, these acco- lades pay homage to the men and women in service, who are trained to respond to numerous and wide-ranging scenarios at home and abroad, ranging from search-and-rescue operations to tackling the illegal trafficking of people and narcotics, as well as humanitarian and intelligence-led missions. DSMs bestowed on officers, non-commissioned officers and able seamen not only acknowledge and honour heroism and selflessness, but also provide a fitting insight and tribute to those nominated, by giving them a voice and affording them recognition among comrades and shipmates. Posthumous awards and citations may offer some form of comfort and solace to grieving families, friends and col- leagues. The realisation that in their final moments, their friend or loved one was willing to lay down their life in a cause they believed greater than their own, to save that of a fellow seafarer, paints a thousand words and portrays their character with great esteem and valour. Regardless of time and place, the perils and challenges of the sea remain unpredictable; changing rapidly, and often without notice. Never before has the Naval Service entered or occupied a level of public awareness and space as it does today, brought home by harrowing events in the Mediterranean where Operation Pontus has seen almost 17,500 people rescued; and the heart-wrenching final seconds of R116 and the subsequent endeavours to bring the crew home. Often viewed as an extended branch of the emergency ser- vices, naval personnel have occasionally found themselves at the frontline, literally being the last hope for those in distress, the difference between life and death - a responsibility they share with their colleagues in the Coast Guard. Michael Quinn remembered In a poignant ceremony off Roan Carrigbeg Rocks, OC LÉ Eithne, Cdr Timon, read a prayer from the Mingy Prayerbook and a salute was rendered, while a bouquet of flowers was dropped into the sea to honour and commemorate the passing of Lead- ing Seaman Quinn 28 years ago. LÉ Deirdre had responded to a Mayday call received by Val- entia CRS, which indicated that the vessel was sinking with 16 persons onboard. With no helicopter support and cover avail- able, and with LÉ Deirdre unable to manoeuvre close enough, the decision was taken to launch a Gemini, a boarding craft with a powerful outboard engine. L/Sea Quinn and A/Sea Paul Kellett volunteered, as both were the regular boarding crew and very experienced in handling and operating the Gemini.

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