Their heroic exploits in carrying out a joint rescue operation, saving four people on a 140-tonne fishing boat in severe weather, has been recognised after they overcame driving snow and gale force winds to save the stranded fishermen.

Troon Coxswain Joe Millar, 47, and Girvan Second Coxswain Gary McGarvie, 38, will be awarded the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum, for their leadership, boat handling and teamwork during the rescue.

They each led a team of volunteer crew members in a joint rescue of a stricken trawler in rough seas, gale force winds and icy conditions.

Working together, the two lifeboat crews successfully rescued four people on board the fishing boat and brought the vessel safely back to harbour using skill, courage and team work.

They managed all this despite the Troon lifeboat being short-handed after one crew member was taken ill and evacuated on the way to the scene.

RNLI operations director, George Rawlinson, said: “The impressive team work of Coxswains Joe Millar and Gary McGarvie saved four people from a perilous situation, while also ensuring their own crews stayed safe. It is no mean feat to tow a large, disabled fishing vessel into a harbour in heavy seas and freezing squally conditions. It is a testament to their boat handling skill, leadership and courage that this rescue had such a successful outcome.’ Mr Millar, who has been with the charity for 25 years, added: “The weather conditions were just horrendous, the worst that I have been in.

“It was a big fishing boat, one of the largest from the fleet in Troon and I knew the guys on the boat. We had challenging weather, a large boat and our mechanic had to be airlifted off on the way out to the shout due to illness which meant we were one crew short.

“But all the training provided by the RNLI came into play without a shadow of a doubt and I am very proud that Troon station and a flanking station are being honoured for what was a fantastic team effort.” His thoughts were echoed by Mr McGarvie, who works for Police Scotland and has been an RNLI volunteer for nearly 20 years. He said: “I have to take my hat off to the Girvan crew, they did everything I could have expected from them in such challenging conditions and it just goes to show that the training is invaluable.

“I am so pleased that the crew are being recognised as well for at the end of the day, I just see myself as the guy that pulled everything together.” The seven crew members also involved will each receive a framed letter of commendation for their courage, determination and seamanship.