Air-sea ferry rescuers honoured

Thousands of people came to see the vessel stranded on the beach

Crewmen from two rescue helicopters, who airlifted more than 20 passengers from a stricken ferry, have been honoured for bravery.

The Riverdance ferry became grounded off the coast near Cleveleys in Lancashire in rough weather as it crossed the Irish Sea in January 2008,

Two members of the Royal Air Force and two Royal Navy personnel were awarded non-combatant gallantry medals.

The vessel sank into the sand and had to be broken up by salvage teams.

The MoD said Royal Navy Lt Michael Paulet and RAF Flt Lt Lee Turner would receive the Air Force Cross.

Royal Navy Leading Aircrewman Kevin Regan and RAF Master Aircrewman Richard Taylor would receive the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

The stricken ship unexpectedly proved to be a boost to tourism in the area, with an estimated 100,000 people going to see it before it was dismantled.

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