DONCASTER'S former education boss was saved from drowning off the coast of Scotland when his rubber dinghy hit a rock and sank in freezing waters.
Wayne Hamilton and Carol Perry, who live on the Isle of Mull, fought a life and death battle to save Mark Eales, the borough's former director of education who retired last year, from drowning in the dramatic incident near the island last March.
The couple, who are wardens at the small uninhabited island of Inch Kenneth, spotted the 55-year-old's predicament as his dinghy sank while he was rowing it back to Mull.
He tried to swim to Mull but the cold sapped his strength and by the time the pair reached him he was close to drowning in the bitterly cold waters.
After a struggle they managed to haul him aboard their motorboat and were able to revive him when they reached dry land.
They took him the short distance to their house on the shore of Mull, dried him and put him in dry clothes and blankets to recover, which was more practical than calling an ambulance due to the isolated location.
His wife, Roberta, was at home on the Kingswood estate at Bawtry when he rang to tell her of his ordeal.
She said: "He rang and I was expecting to hear about his research but he told me about getting into difficulties and these people rescuing him. It is very fortunate they were there. He was very shaken by what happened."
Mr Eales has now been told his recommendation that his rescuers should get a bravery award has been granted. He intends to be there when they receive the Royal Humane Society certificate of commendation.
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