2007's dramatic rescues remembered with awards

Three dramatic rescues last year were remembered tonight when 2007 Search and Rescue Council awards were presented.

Transport Minister Annette King handed gold awards to lifeguards Lilah Foote, Rebekah Gee and Briar Macken for saving a family after a boat capsized off Pukehina Beach in the Bay of Plenty.

The trio rescued four members of the family trapped under the overturned boat for 20 minutes.

A search and rescue certificate of achievement was presented to members of the team involved in the rescue of caver Michael Brewer, injured in a fall 3km inside a cave system at Takaka, west of Nelson.

Ms King also presented the International Maritime Organisation's international bravery award to Wairarapa fisherman Brett Churcher who saved a man and his four-year-old daughter after they were washed out of their boat near Lake Ferry on the Wairarapa coast.

- NZPA