Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1985-03-18
Invested on: 1985-09-27
On the evening of 10 May 1983, David Caines saved a man from drowning in the local harbour. The man had accidentally fallen into the deep, freezing water. Working at the fish plant nearby, Mr. Caines heard a commotion on the wharf and ran over. Concerned for the safety of the unconscious man, he urged onlookers to go to the rescue but no one moved. Though a non-swimmer, Mr. Caines intervened. He tied a rope to the wharf and, clutching the end of the line, jumped in. In spite of the growing darkness and the weight of heavy clothing, he dog-paddled to the victim and strained to keep his head above the surface. Holding the rope with one hand and the limp body with the other, Mr. Caines was pulled to the wharf, then assisted in lifting the man out of the water. He was revived with artificial respiration.