How nice it is to be able to blog some positive news about some extraordinarily brave people whose jobs often place them in harm's way. I am referring to the complex rescue operation that was carried out over the weekend when a woman became trapped in a cave near Swanage by rising sea. In appalling conditions and rough seas, the SAR helicopter was tasked from Portland, the lifeboat from Swanage, skippered by Coxswain Martin Steeden and his wonderful crew, and Coastguard volunteers from both Swanage and St Alban's Head. The aircraft, commanded by Simon Hoare, dropped wireman Adrian Rogers into the sea to rescue the woman's brother. Mr Rogers was then dropped on the rocks at Tilly Whim Caves, joining Coastguard volunteers Ian Brown and John Bugler and their respective teams, while the aircraft returned to Portland to refuel. The volunteers, including specially trained police officers, then climbed down to the cave and tried to get the woman out. Repeated attempts to reach her were thwarted by heavy seas and by the time Ian Bugler, John's son, had courageously entered through a blowhole, the woman was missing, presumed dead. A lot of people were involved in this operation, including of course watchkeepers and those manning desks and telephones, and I would like to pay tribute to all of them. They really are the country's finest and deserve our gratitude and praise. It's heartbreaking that after all their efforts someone was lost, but it wasn't through lack of tenacity, courage and professionalism of the highest order. We are most fortunate to have men and women of this ilk. Thank you.