The crew of Wightlink vehicle ferry Wight Sky have been awarded a Crew Commendation by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society for their swift and professional response to an incident in the Solent earlier this year.
The commendation was presented as part of the charity’s annual Skill & Gallantry Awards, which recognise acts of exceptional seamanship, judgement and selflessness in emergencies at sea and on the water.
The incident occurred on the evening of 25 February 2026, shortly after Wight Sky departed Yarmouth on its regular service to Lymington. A member of the bridge team spotted two people in the water after they had been thrown from an unlit Zapcat racing boat that had capsized near Yarmouth Harbour.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the crew acted immediately, launching the ferry’s rescue boat and recovering both casualties safely from the water within minutes. Neither person sustained any injuries.
The rescue was coordinated with HM Coastguard and the RNLI’s Yarmouth lifeboat crew, who attended the scene and took over care of the casualties. Wight Sky remained in the area to assist with the search for the unmanned craft, which was subsequently recovered by the RNLI.
The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society said the crew’s actions demonstrated the importance of effective training, rapid decision-making and cooperation between commercial vessels and emergency services in an emergency.
Captain Justin Osmond, Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, said: “The crew of Wight Sky demonstrated exceptional vigilance and professionalism in responding to a potentially life-threatening situation. Their rapid deployment of the rescue boat ensured both casualties were brought to safety, while close coordination with HM Coastguard and the RNLI helped deliver an effective response. Their actions exemplify the skill, judgement and teamwork celebrated by our Skill and Gallantry Awards, and we are pleased to recognise their contribution with this commendation.”
Katy Taylor, Wightlink’s Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely proud of the Wight Sky crew and delighted to see their actions recognised by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. Their quick response helped bring two people to safety in what could have been a very serious situation. It is a credit to the crew’s professionalism and commitment to looking out for others at sea.”
The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society provides financial and practical assistance to seafarers and their dependants across the UK who face hardship during or after a life at sea. Its annual awards celebrate those whose actions make a significant difference to the safety of others on the water.
The Skill and Gallantry Awards are presented annually and form part of the Society’s AGM which took place on Tuesday 6 October at Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge.
