The Rescue of the Ice Prince by Coxswain Mark Criddle OBE and the Torbay RNLI Lifeboat Crew (2008)
The rescue of the crew of the Greek‑registered cargo vessel Ice Prince on 13 January 2008 is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and hazardous operations undertaken by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the early twenty‑first century. The Ice Prince, carrying a deck cargo of timber, suffered structural damage and severe flooding during storm‑force conditions in the English Channel, leading to a dangerous list and the failure of onboard systems (BBC News, 2008). Of the twenty crew members, twelve were evacuated by Coastguard helicopter before worsening conditions rendered further airlift impossible. The remaining eight sailors were left aboard a vessel rolling so violently—up to 40 degrees—that no lifeboat could safely come alongside (RNLI, 2008).
The Torbay (Brixham) RNLI all‑weather lifeboat, a Severn‑class vessel, launched under the command of Coxswain Mark Criddle, supported by a volunteer crew comprising a mechanic, navigator, paramedic, doctor and deck crew. On arrival, the lifeboat encountered storm‑force 9–10 winds, heavy seas and breaking waves that repeatedly struck the vessel. With the Ice Prince now too unstable to board, Criddle manoeuvred the lifeboat with exceptional precision to recover the stranded sailors as they jumped into the freezing water, where each was hauled aboard by hand in darkness and extreme sea states (Devon Live, 2018). The operation placed the RNLI crew at continual risk of capsize, collision and personal injury, yet all eight survivors were successfully recovered.
The RNLI formally recognised the rescue as an act of outstanding gallantry. Coxswain Criddle was awarded the RNLI Silver Medal for Gallantry, one of the institution’s highest honours, for his leadership, seamanship and courage under life‑threatening conditions (RNLI, 2008). He was subsequently appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to maritime safety and his distinguished contribution to the RNLI, with the Ice Prince rescue cited as a defining example of his service (The Gazette, 2011). The volunteer crew received national commendations for their collective bravery, professionalism and endurance during an operation that would almost certainly have resulted in loss of life without their actions.
The Ice Prince rescue stands as a significant event in the modern history of the RNLI, illustrating the extreme risks undertaken by volunteer lifeboat crews and the high level of skill required to conduct rescues in severe weather. It remains a key example of the RNLI’s humanitarian mission and the maritime heritage of Brixham and Torbay.
REFERENCES: BBC News (2008) Cargo ship crew rescued in storm. BBC News, 14 January. RNLI (2008) RNLI Torbay lifeboat rescues eight from Ice Prince. RNLI Official Report. Devon Live (2018) The night the Torbay lifeboat saved the Ice Prince crew. Devon Live, 13 January. The Gazette (2011) Order of the British Empire: Mark Criddle. The London Gazette Honours List.