A HEROIC skipper who saved the life of his teenage crew member when their boat capsized has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
While the two were in the water, David bellowed instructions as they clung onto the capsized boat. Despite suffering head injuries, David spent several minutes locating and untying the life raft at the same time as ensuring Jordan was still afloat.
Once on the liferaft, they saw HMS Westminster in the distance and used flares to attract its attention and were rescued.
A coastguard helicopter, RNLI lifeboat, coastguard rescue team and a Royal Navy warship all responded to the incident.
As a result, David Miller of Weymouth has reached the final 10 selection stage in the Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons 2021 Act Of Courage category. He reached the Act Of Courage selection stage out of 300 nominations overall chosen by the public.
Four finalists will be selected in each category and the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 5.
Falklands War hero, Simon Weston, chairs the judging panel and presents the awards.
Dorset Echo reported how Jordan was desperate to see David, a man his father has known for more than 30 years, while the pair were in hospital following the drama to thank him for saving his life.
He said: “I wanted to see him in the hospital but we couldn’t because we were unable to mix in wards.
“I saw him on Wednesday where we had a hug and how thankful we are to still be here and alive.
“He saved my life. He did not care about himself, he just wanted to make sure I was OK in the water.
"He is my hero.”
Jordan’s father, Graham Coulter, paid a tribute to his friend, adding: “I would like to thank David for his heroic efforts to bring my son home safe and for the work of the emergency services and Royal Navy to rescue them.”
A coastguard helicopter, RNLI lifeboat, coastguard rescue team and a Royal Navy warship all responded to the incident.
- Got a story to share or for me to investigate? Email me at michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk or tweet @JournoMikeT
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