Star of Courage

• Awarded on: July 3, 1981
• Invested on: September 18, 1981

On 11 August 1980, in extremely rough seas, Vincent Vautour saved a woman from drowning and was instrumental in rescuing four crew members and passengers of the fishing vessel Marielle II which had capsized at Blacklands Gully, New Brunswick. The skipper of another boat witnessed the accident but thought the conditions too dangerous to risk other lives. Vincent, a crew member, radioed his father, owner of the Eric V, who immediately proceeded to the scene and after taking his son on board, entered the three to six metre high breakers. On seeing someone floating face down, seemingly unconscious, Vincent jumped into the rough water, swam to the person and brought her to the nearby Normand II. While the victim was being pulled on board, the skipper put the engine astern dragging the rescuer under. Fortunately Vincent's father saw the danger from his own craft and signalled the Normand II to stop. When the skipper did stop he was able to pick up another survivor as well as Vincent. The determination and courage of Vincent Vautour are worthy of the highest praise.