Two Naval Service personnel who piloted two rigid inflatable boats through 30 ft waves and safely boarded a yacht which had just landed £10 million worth of drugs were yesterday awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
Able Seamen Gerard Dore and David Lynch were praised by the newly appointed Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, for their skill and bravery in piloting the two RIBS through storm conditions off Slyne Head, Co Galway on July 9th, 1994.
The two seamen were coxswains on the two RIBS launched from the LE Ciara in Ballinaleama Bay with the aim of boarding and detaining the yacht, the Nickoletta, which had just landed more than a ton of cannabis resin.
"Both men were responsible for the safety of the other Naval Service personnel on board their respective boats.
Their skilful piloting of the craft in the face of appalling weather conditions led to the safe boarding and detention of the yacht," he said.