Winch Paramedic James O'Neill of Bristow Ireland's Shannon Search and Rescue Helicopter base has been awarded the Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy for his role in rescuing 14 fishermen from the vessel Fastnet off Dingle in 2025.

The trophy, which includes an inscribed Breitling watch, was presented by RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes at the Air League's Annual Reception at the House of Commons on 9 July 2026. The award is sponsored by Bristow Helicopters and Onboard Systems. Bristow Ireland operates search and rescue services on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard from bases at Shannon, Weston, Sligo and Waterford.

The Fastnet suffered engine failure shortly after leaving Dingle Harbour and was driven ashore at the base of steep cliffs, where it faced a relentless Atlantic swell and near gale force winds, putting its 14 crew at risk of capsize or the vessel breaking up. The Shannon-based helicopter arrived on scene at 1220 and, with Winch Operator Eamonn O'Broin lowering him onto the pitching deck, O'Neill located the crew sheltering in the wheelhouse and organised them for evacuation. He briefed and prioritised the crew for winching, managing the high line as they were lifted two at a time over an exhausting 50 minutes and two sorties to a prepared cliff top landing site, before being winched to safety himself.

Award Committee Chair George Rawlinson MBE says: “James showed magnificent leadership skills in organising the 14 crew for evacuation, prioritising their safety at considerable risk to himself.”

Rawlinson also credited the flight crew, Captain Robert Goodbody and Co-Pilot Paraic Slattery, who held the helicopter in position above the Fastnet throughout, along with the coordination provided by Valentia Coast Guard and support from Valentia RNLI Lifeboat and the Dingle Coastguard Rescue team.