Man who saved Royal Navy officer's life after traffic accident honoured on board Victory
The man responsible for saving the life of a Royal Navy officer after a deadly accident has been rewarded and honoured in a special ceremony on board HMS Victory.
Lieutenant James Jeffcoate and his partner were struck by a 4x4 vehicle near Palma Cathedral in Mallorca, and James Gray, the second mate on a nearby yacht, stepped in when no one else would.
"Everyone was watching or taking photos on their phones, but no one was making any effort to help out," Mr Gray said.
He said: "I think Lieutenant Jeffcoate would have done the same for me in a similar situation – we've both had that same sort of training and that same outlook to help people in need.
"I was fresh out of a medical course and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, while James and Jen were unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"I was fortunate in that, like the Navy, we train for such scenarios and life-saving drills."
The accident claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman, Miss Worth. Mr Gray continued to support the Jeffcoate and Worth families for several days after the accident.
Lt Jeffcoate said: "Some of the things James asked and did for me may seem very relatively minor, but they made a real difference at a very difficult time.
"There's massive appreciation for all of us for what he did.
"James's efforts after the accident were exceptional and I wanted to thank him in a way which appreciated his efforts, his bravery. He was amazing, and we are truly grateful."
Mr Gray examined the naval officer for injuries and then placed him in the recovery position to help him breathe.
He later notified the military authorities back in the UK, who made sure Lt Jeffcoate received the care he needed. He has since made a full recovery.
For his actions, Mr Gray was put forward for an award from the Royal Humane Society, which has been recognising lifesaving efforts for 250 years.
A commendation was formally presented to him in the presence of Lt Jeffcoate on board HMS Victory in Portsmouth.
He was also given a letter of thanks from the Royal Navy's Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell.
Commodore Steve Large, who was Lt Jeffcoate's senior officer at the time of the incident, told Mr Gray: "There's a lot of love and gratitude among people today for what you did.
"James was very, very lucky to have survived – there is no doubt that what you did was instrumental in saving his life."
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