Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: May 16, 1996
• Invested on: December 06, 1996

Stanley Hutchings, M.B.
Gregory David McKay, M.B.
John Charles Parkin, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

During a severe storm on the night of February 18, 1995, Messrs. Hutchings, McKay and Parkin responded to a distress call from a vessel that had struck a reef off Kipp Island, in Higgins Passage, British Columbia. Unable to manoeuvre their boats close enough, they attempted a rescue from land, crossing the rocky island in the darkness. They were thrown a line, which Mr. Hutchings and Mr. McKay held onto while Mr. Parkin waded out. Unfortunately, he was washed loose as the sea and wind buffeted them, and the line was lost. Mr. Parkin managed to return to shore and the rescuers could only watch helplessly as the vessel continued to be dashed against the reef. The line was eventually regained and the three victims jumped off the boat during a break in the swells. They were helped to shore, moments before the rough seas snapped their vessel in two. Messrs. Hutchings, McKay and Parkin brought them over the jagged rocks to the safety of a nearby fishing fleet, hours after their ordeal had begun.