On the more serious side....
The UK (Royal?) coast guard rescued the crew of an Icelandic freighter in the North Sea some years back. It was a job well done, I think no losses, and under absolutely horrible conditions.
If my memory serves me , the crew involved was honoured by our president.
I'll try to find it.
BTW, my great uncle was a wartime pilot in the RAF. Seeing the "search and rescue" vessel at Hendon (I think it was there) brought this gentle smile on to his face. He had to fly quite a bit over water you see
