A Newhaven RNLI lifeboat man received the Lady Swaythling Trophy from Princess Anne at The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society national awards ceremony in London.

Coxswain Paul Legendre led a crew of seven in a search for a missing boy swept out to sea while watching the waves at Newhaven’s west beach on October 27, 2013.

The six hour search was particularly difficult due its location and the severe conditions which caused extensive damage to the lifeboat.

Mr Legendre said: “I kept the lifeboat in position in shallow water by the breakwater with the sea rebounding off it for two hours. Then we searched the harbour, Seaford beach and Peacehaven.”

The crew battled four to five metre breaking waves in poor visibility and fading light, but despite their outstanding efforts sadly the teenager could not be found.

Mr Legendre said: “After we were exhausted. We felt hopeless.

“There are not many times we don’t succeed in rescue or recovery but unfortunately it does happen. It’s very upsetting. It still touches me now.”

The coxswain was recognised for his leadership, outstanding seamanship and determination at the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society Skill and Gallantry Awards on Tuesday, October 7 at Fishmongers’ Hall in London.

Mr Legendre was nervous before meeting Princess Anne who asked how he was feeling and praised his work.

He said: “She was sincere, a lovely lady and very down to earth. I told her I had met her mum and dad when they visited Newhaven last October and she laughed.”

Mike Tubb, operations manager at Newhaven Lifeboat, who also attended the award ceremony said they all wished the outcome had been different.

Mr Tubb said: “Despite the sad end to this story, I know I speak on behalf of the whole team at Newhaven when I say we are absolutely delighted with the recognition for Paul, the crew, Newhaven and the wider RNLI.”

Now Mr Legendre shares the story as a teaching tool with groups of school children visiting the lifeboat station.

He said: “Hopefully by learning what the sea can do, some good can come out of the tragedy and help kids to respect the sea.”

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is a charity which supports mariners in need and since 1851 has recognised the hard work and bravery of individuals dealing with emergency situations at sea.