Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
A branch of builders’ merchant Jewson is being credited with saving the life of a yachtsman who went overboard off the French coast.
The man fell into the sea near north-west France last Thursday. However, his fellow yachtsman, a customer of the Crediton branch of Jewson, could not make himself understood by the French coastguard.
He called Jewson’s Chris Tucker, who then raised the alarm with Brixham Coastguard.
Tucker told the BBC News that it was quite difficult to hear his customer because of the wind.
“I’m not quite sure why he called me, but maybe he knew I’d be there and would have access to a computer and phone.”
Tucker stayed on the phone to his customer while Brixham Coastguards liaised with the French authorities.
His actions were praised by both Brixham Coastguard and Jewson.
The stricken yacht was towed back to harbour by the French lifeboat.
Jewson managing director Peter Stringer told BBC News that the company was extremely proud of Mr Tucker.
“Our people pride themselves on the close relationships they forge with our customers, but this instance highlights a truly exceptional case, demonstrating the trust the customer has with Chris,” he said.
