AN ANGLESEY man who drowned after diving into rough seas to rescue his friend could be considered for a posthumous bravery award.
An inquest heard this week how Lewis Darroch, 22, of Valley, dived into the water at Cable Bay, near Rhosneigr, last August, after friend Callum Mackay, of Llanfairpwll.
The pair had been with two other friends, Sadie Williams and Laurence Cuthbertson, on the beach when Callum decided to enter the rough waters.
Lewis and Laurence dived in to rescue Callum but Lewis was also swept back into the sea by the waves.
Coroner Dewi Pritchard-Jones recorded verdicts of accidental death.
He said: ”The decision to go swimming in the conditions that prevailed that day wasn’t wise. Although it wasn’t difficult to go in the sea the problem was in getting out and the waves were such they were unable to get out safely.
”Lewis hadn’t intended to go swimming but when he realised his friend was in difficulties he stripped off and in his underpants dived in to try and save his friend.
“He was unable to do so.”
An RAF rescue helicopter from Prince William’s Valley airbase recovered Lewis’ body from the water on the night but Mr Mackay’s wasn’t found until a week later.
Calls are now being made for a posthumous award from the Carnegie Foundation to be given to Lewis in recognition of his bravery.
Outside the inquest at Llangefni on Tuesday Callum’s father and mother Ann and Steven Mackay said this would be well deserved.
Mr Mackay said: “It would be absolutely justified.
“We want to pay a huge tribute to Lewis for his unstinting bravery in not even considering his own safety but just going in, trying to rescue our son Callum.”