Members of the HM Coastguard helicopter crews based at Prestwick Airport have received a prestigious national award for the exceptionally demanding rescue of a seriously injured yachtsman in the North Atlantic. The crew of Rescue 199 received the Edward and Maisie Lewis Award from the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society for their actions on Sunday 7 September 2025.

The crew Captain Jamie Ross, Co-Pilot Harry Howell, Winch Operator Alan Robertson and Winch Paramedic Mark Warters rescued the injured crew member from a yacht approximately 170 nautical miles west of Prestwick, in four to five metre swells and winds of up to 55 knots.

The Society's annual Skill and Gallantry Awards recognise exceptional acts of courage, seamanship and professionalism in saving lives at sea.

 The Edward and Maisie Lewis Award is presented by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society for an outstanding air-sea rescue or medical evacuation.

The recognition of the Prestwick crews highlight the specialist skills required of the Coastguard's helicopter teams and the important role Prestwick Airport plays in providing search and rescue cover for Scotland's western seaboard and the wider North Atlantic. It also undertakes very challenging mountain rescues.

The Prestwick Coastguard helicopter base opened in 2016 when it took over the role from the familiar HMS Gannet Sea King helicopters. The distinctive red and white Coastguard helicopters are now a familiar site around Ayrshire. The base is consistently one of the busiest stations in the UK.