149. The Prince and the Lifesaver: Mark Criddle OBE

The RNLI’s most decorated serving coxswain on launching to a Greek Prince, and meeting a real one

On the night of 13 January 2008, the crew of the Greek-registered cargo ship Ice Prince was in serious trouble 31 miles off Portland Bill. Arriving on scene in atrocious conditions, the crew of the Torbay lifeboat found the Ice Prince taking on water and listing badly – she was destined to sink beneath the waves. Torbay Coxswain Mark Criddle reflects on the rescue that would earn him an RNLI Silver Medal for Gallantry.

Discover 11 remarkable rescue stories – including Mark’s – in our book, Surviving the Storms.

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by the RNLI's Eleanor Driscoll 

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200