Via UK High Commission British Royal Air Force man helps save Malaysian woman from drowning BUTTERWORTH, October 6: A brave British national was praised for his swift action which helped to save a young Malaysian woman who fell from the Penang Ferry on Monday. Corporal “Gordie” Wilkie was travelling from Butterworth Airfield to George Town on the Penang Ferry when the woman fell overboard, into the choppy waters of the Penang Straights. Despite efforts by the ferry crew to reach the woman with life-preservers and ropes, the currents proved too strong and began sweeping her out-of-reach of their efforts. Corporal Wilkie (aged 36 from Glasgow) said “it was clear she was having trouble swimming and looked like she was going under”. Fearing the girl would not be able to keep her head above water, Corporal Wilkie calmly gathered a rope, secured himself to the ferry then followed her into water and made his way out to save her. After reaching the extent of the rope tethering him to the ferry, Corporal Wilkie was still not able to reach the woman so bravely released himself from the security of the rope and continued to swim after her into the middle of the two mile-wide straight. As Wilkie closed the distance between the woman and himself, the ferry crew was able to raise a passing small boat over the ship’s radio which diverted off-course and pulled the woman out of the water. The boat was then able to pick up Corporal Wilkie before returning them both to shore. Corporal Wilkie described the woman as “clearly in shock”. She was collected by ambulance at the port for immediate further treatment. Police officers and port officials at the scene described Corporal Wilkie’s actions as “very brave”. Corporal Wilkie was in the Malaysian region of Penang as part of a UK Typhoon fighter-jet deployment participating in a multi-national air defence exercise. Employed as an communications engineer within the Royal Air Force’s deployable signals unit based at RAF Leeming, Corporal Wilkie and his colleagues from 3(Fighter) Typhoon Squadron have been working closely with Royal Malaysian Air Force partners at Butterworth Airfield. Wing Commander Chris Moon, Officer Commanding 3 (Fighter) Squadron, said “Corporal Wilkie’s actions were extraordinarily brave and I am proud to have him on my team. His presence of mind, quickness of action and selflessness are exactly the qualities we value in the Royal Air Force and he is an excellent ambassador for both the service and the United Kingdom”. The squadron is participating in an annual air, sea and land exercise aimed to further strengthen bonds in the Five Powers Defence Agreement between Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. ***ENDS*** Photos: 1. Wing Commander Chris Moon, Typhoon Detachment Commander congratulates Corporal Wilkie for his brave action. 2. Corporal “Gordie” Wilkie (36) from 90 Signals Unit, RAF Leeming.
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 02:24:28 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015