- Oil Tanker Crew Hailed for Battling Fire After Drone Strike.
- Tugboat Crew Saves Six Lives Amid Hurricane Otis Chaos.
- Certificates of Commendation for Gabon’s Ferry Rescue Heroes.
The 2024 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea has been awarded to two separate pairs of recipients: the Captain and crew of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda, for containing a fire after the ship was struck by an uncrewed aerial device and the Captain and crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya, for rescuing six shipwrecked persons from four different vessels, during a hurricane, reports IMO.
Exceptional Bravery Awards
Captain Avhilash Rawat and the crew of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda were awarded the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for their bravery in response to an uncrewed aerial device attack that caused a fire on January 26, 2024. They could fight the flames that reached over five meters with one lifeboat destroyed for more than 24 hours, saving the vessel and its crew.
Captain Rawat expressed gratitude during the ceremony: “I want to thank my entire crew for their exceptional courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. Together, we overcame challenges that seemed insurmountable.”
He also acknowledged the naval forces that assisted, stating: “To all seafarers, your commitment and resilience inspire not only those aboard but also those who rely on the sea for their livelihoods.”
Tugboat Crew Saves Survivors in Hurricane
Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes and the crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya were awarded for saving six shipwrecked people during Hurricane Otis in October 2023. Working in extreme weather with winds over 300 km/h and five-meter waves, the crew made several daring rescues, bringing all survivors to safety.
Captain Galaviz reflected on the mission: “October 24 and 25, 2023, will remain etched in our memory for the challenges we faced and the lives we saved. Our strength came from a shared commitment: to safeguard lives, even at the risk of our own.”
He emphasized the unity of the maritime community: “This recognition will inspire us to continue navigating with courage, humanity, and commitment.”
Heroic Ferry Rescue in Gabon
- Captain Jerôme Noël Mougoula Saguiliba (LCT Celeste): Demonstrated expert ship handling to rescue 107 survivors from the Esther Miracle ferry.
- Lieutenant Crépin Manfoumbi Mengara (Gabonese Navy): Coordinated operations to save 16 survivors and recover 18 casualties amidst shark-infested waters.
Notable Contributions
Other honorees included:
- Captain Eduardo Mesquita Pedroso (Monte Sarmiento): Led firefighting during a critical shipboard emergency (Brazil).
- Commander Yong Li (Hai Xun 06838): Saved 22 crew members from a sinking tanker (China).
- Captain Brijesh Nambiar (INS Visakhapatnam): Provided critical firefighting assistance to Marlin Luanda (India).
Noteworthy mentions included:
- Captain Frédérick Caurant and Crew (French Navy): Rescued sailors from the Guyana bulk carrier.
- U.S. Coast Guard Crews: Saved wildfire survivors in Maui and performed complex storm rescue operations.
- Merchant Vessel Crews: Commended for rescuing migrants at sea.
IMO Secretary-General’s Tribute
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez praised the recipients, stating: “It is truly an honor to recognize the valiant efforts of these heroic individuals who acted in the face of extreme danger to save lives. Their bravery inspires us all.”
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Source: IMO
