A ROYAL Navy sailor from Cardigan has received a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service for her work in saving lives during search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

Able Seaman Sarah Griffiths joined HMS Enterprise during the ship’s on-going role in the UK’s contribution to the European Union mission in 2016 to disrupt and deter human trafficking in the Med.

During the deployment, Sarah, a former pupil at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi and who has been in the Royal Navy for the past eight years, was involved in a dramatic rescue operation involving around 50 people.

Her citation read: “Sarah has shown significant courage and maturity as the coxswain of the small boat carried by HMS Enterprise during rescue events.

“During arduous and occasionally harrowing operations, she has spent up to 13 hours a day in the boat, with temperatures frequently exceeding 30 degrees centigrade.

“During a short deployment in response to a sinking vessel, Sarah arrived at the scene well ahead of HMS Enterprise. Independently assessing the scene and establishing priorities, she manoeuvred to distribute lifesaving equipment to around 50 people in the water, picking up the most vulnerable.

“That only one person lost their life is in no small part down to her quick wits and focused professionalism. Her outstanding boat driving skills, focus and awareness has been vital in ensuring safe control of the situation and efficient transfer of survivors to HMS Enterprise.

“Quick to volunteer and enthusiastic about mentoring others, she unfailingly set an excellent example and her exceptional performance in support of operations is thoroughly worthy of the highest recognition.”

Sarah, who is also a member of the Cardigan RNLI crew at Poppit Sands, has since been promoted to Leading Seaman and is currently serving aboard Type-23 frigate HMS Montrose.