Border guard seaman who broke his ankle during 14-hour shift rescuing asylum seekers from small boats in the Channel wins £80,000 compensation battle with the Home Office

Alan Quartermain, a 66-year-old UK border guard, has won an £80,000 legal battle against the Home Office after breaking his ankle during a rescue operation in the Channel. The incident occurred on June 3, 2021, after 14 hours on duty, as he fell while boarding his vessel, HMC Alert. Testimonies revealed the deck was hazardous, covered in water, fuel, and vomit. The judge highlighted the lack of a handrail as a safety issue, ultimately ruling in favor of Quartermain. This veteran seaman, who dedicated his life to sea patrol, was forced to retire due to the injury’s lasting impact. His case underscores the importance of safety measures in high-risk jobs, especially during emergency operations at sea.