Eight Isle of Man Coastguard volunteers have been recognised for 20 years of service at a special reception held at Government House.

His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and Lady Lorimer hosted the reception last week to celebrate the long service and good conduct of members of the island’s coastguard rescue teams.

Long service and good conduct medals were presented to Peter Mattin, Robert Marshall, Lee Quayle, Alan Gelling, Stephen Caley, John Keggin, Keith Podmore and Martin Dycher.

Each recipient has completed 20 years of service with the Isle of Man Coastguard, representing a combined 160 years of commitment to helping keep the island’s coastal waters and communities safe.

Andrew Cunningham was also recognised for an exceptional 40 years of service, receiving a second clasp in recognition of his four decades with the service.

The reception at Government House was attended by Coastguard team members, together with their families and guests, providing an opportunity to mark the achievements.

A spokesperson from Government House commented: ‘Our congratulations to all the recipients, and our sincere thanks for their dedication and service to the Isle of Man over so many years.

‘It was a pleasure to mark these impressive milestones with the Coastguard team and their families and guests at Government House.’

The Isle of Man Coastguard was established in 1989 following the withdrawal of HM Coastguard and the closure of its Maritime Rescue Sub Centre at Ramsey.

Today, it forms part of the Department of Infrastructure’s Ports Division and provides search and rescue teams for coastal incidents, as well as an increasing number of inland incidents.

There are five Coastguard teams based around the island, in Douglas, Castletown, Port Erin, Peel and Ramsey.

The Coastguard also works closely with other emergency services, including the RNLI, HM Coastguard and the Isle of Man Ambulance Service, during incidents and training exercises.