TWO Naval Service members have received awards for their bravery during the interception of the drug running yacht, The Brime off the south west coast in July, 1,993.
Lieut Cdr Mark Mellett and Able Seaman Patrick Kennedy were both presented with Distinguished Service Medals by the Minister for Defence and for the Marine, Mr Barrett, yesterday. Both were cited for their "courage, confidence and leadership" during the seizure of The Brime, which was carrying two tonnes of cannabis.
The yacht was intercepted by the LE Orla, of which Lieut Cdr Mellett was captain. He also directed the operation.
Able Seaman Kennedy was in charge of the inflatable dinghy which landed the boarding party on the yacht. The interception prevented the smugglers, who have since been jailed, from scuttling the yacht and destroying the evidence in one of the biggest and most successful drug interdiction exercises by the State.
The presentation ceremony took place on board the LE Eithne at Dun Laoghaire yesterday.
