Petty officer awarded Royal Navy Reservist of the year title for rescuing six people

Mark 'Sparky' Warnock, a senior rating and petty officer at HMS Scotia, has been recognised as the RN Reservist of the Year for a rescue operation on the River Forth.

While conducting a Royal Yachting Association powerboat course, PO Warnock responded to a Mayday call from a distressed vessel on the river.

Approaching the scene, he discovered two people clinging to a buoy and four others aboard the vessel, including two children without life jackets.

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In a swift and efficient operation, PO Warnock transferred all six individuals onto his boat, secured the distressed vessel under tow, and safely landed the passengers ashore.

He then ensured the vessel was secured alongside and handed over the situation to HM Coastguard.

"I'm completely shocked, but also incredibly proud," said PO Warnock on receiving his award.

"We were just conducting our regular training serials when we responded to the vessel in distress.

"The whole team acted in a manner that you'd expect from professional seafarers, noting that it's our duty to render assistance on the water if we are able to do so.

"I was not acting alone here. The crew of the RHIB (rigid-hull inflatable boat) stepped up to the challenge we were faced with. I was proud of the way they acted; they performed their duty in an exemplary manner."

The reservist was awarded the Vice Admiral Sir Donald Gosling Plate to go with his new title.

"I am extremely privileged to have PO Warnock as part of my team at Scotia," said his commanding officer, Surgeon Commander Rob O'Donnell.

"He goes above and beyond in everything that he does, exemplifying the Royal Navy's core values.

"His conduct on the Forth epitomises this, and I am delighted that he was been awarded the Vice Admiral Sir Donald Gosling Plate and named as RNR Reservist of the Year for his actions. Well done!"