Officer Lee Tae-Young of the Republic of Korea is set to receive the prestigious International Maritime Organization (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for 2025. This esteemed recognition honors his courageous actions in November, when he successfully rescued 12 fellow crew members from a sinking fishing vessel.
Exceptional Bravery at Sea
Mr. Lee Tae-young of the Republic of Korea has been selected to receive the 2025 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, the organization’s highest honor. Mr. Lee was nominated by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) for his remarkable actions on November 8, 2024.
In the early hours of that day, the fishing vessel 135 Guemseongho suddenly listed and capsized off the coast of Biyangdo, Jeju Island, with only its propeller remaining above water. Despite having no prior search and rescue (SAR) training and facing immense personal risk, Mr. Lee immediately took action. He threw two life rings and personally helped 12 desperate crew members clinging to the propeller to climb up the ladder of the rescue boat. He was the last person to board the rescue boat, ensuring the safety of everyone else first.
The ITF praised Mr. Lee, stating his actions were a “profound inspiration to all seafarers.” The extreme pressure he endured during the incident has significantly impacted his health, yet he continues to work towards recovery and inspires hope and courage in his colleagues. Mr. Lee will be formally presented with his award at a ceremony at IMO Headquarters in London in November 2025.
Certificates of Commendation
The IMO Council also agreed to award Certificates of Commendation to several other deserving individuals and groups for their acts of extraordinary bravery:
- The Captain and crew of the Rescue 901 helicopter of the 103 Squadron, Gander, NL&L, Royal Canadian Air Force (nominated by Canada): Recognized for their courage, tenacity, and technical skill during the rescue of 20 crew members from the 207-meter-long disabled cargo vessel MBC Baltic III. The helicopter had to be hand-flown amidst severe turbulence from extreme altitude, while the vessel violently rocked in 18-foot waves and 40-55 knot winds. Despite the ship’s deck being dangerously slippery with ice and the bridge in disarray, the rescue team successfully hoisted the entire crew to safety.
- Captain Flouris Dimitrios and the crew of the tug supply vessel Aigaion Pelagos (nominated by Greece): Commended for their exceptional bravery, exemplary seamanship, and resource management skills in the salvage operation of the M/T Sounion. This vessel, carrying approximately 150,000 metric tons of heavy crude oil and nearly 3,000 metric tons of fuel and bunkers, was struck by three unmanned aerial devices in the Red Sea, resulting in the loss of engine power. After the crew evacuated, several explosions and fires erupted on the main deck, causing extensive damage. The Aigaion Pelagos crew carried out an extensive salvage operation, boarding the abandoned vessel under extreme heat and hazardous conditions to extinguish fires and secure the cargo, thereby averting a catastrophic environmental disaster at great personal risk.
- The Members of the Special Rescue Team of the Japanese Coast Guard (nominated by Japan): Recognized for their courage and determination during the rescue of the remaining survivor of the Japanese tugboat Shouei-Maru. The tugboat caught fire and capsized after a collision with a cargo ship while towing a barge. After initial efforts rescued the captain (who later passed away), the Special Rescue Team arrived. Hearing hammering sounds, they dived into the upturned tugboat without hesitation, risking their lives by entering without waiting for full safety measures in poor conditions. After half an hour, they found and brought the crew member to safety just before the boat sank, demonstrating immense personal risk for a life saved.
- Aviation Survival Technician Second Class (AST2) Micheal Diglio, Coast Guard rescue swimmer at the Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater of the United States Coast Guard (nominated by the United States): Honored for his brave and decisive actions during the rescue of two mariners stranded aboard the disabled sailing vessel Venture amidst the extreme conditions of tropical storm Debby. After spotting a distress flare, AST2 Diglio relied on the helicopter’s sensors due to poor visibility. He deployed into the turbulent sea under time pressure from limited fuel, battling rough currents and torrential rain to reach the survivors. He secured the first survivor amidst towering waves and 50-knot winds, signaled for the hoist, and maintained stability during the ascent. He repeated this courageous process for the second survivor, displaying selflessness and leadership in a life-threatening rescue.
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Source: IMO
