THE INTERNATIONAL Maritime Organization (IMO) has presented the Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea to two sets of nominees during its recent IMO Awards Ceremony in London.

The Captain and crew of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda received the award, for containing a fire after the ship was struck by an uncrewed aerial device.

Also receiving the award was the Captain and crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya, for their rescue of six shipwrecked persons from four different vessels during a hurricane.

The ceremony followed the first day of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) session, which is taking place from 2 to 6 December.

IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez commended the recipients of the award, “It is truly an honour to have this opportunity to recognize the valiant efforts and dedication of these heroic individuals, who took it upon themselves to act in the face of extreme danger at sea, to save lives”.

Captain Avhilash Rawat of Marlin Luanda received the medal and certificate at the ceremony, saying “I want to take this opportunity to thank my entire crew for their exceptional courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication”.

Captain Rawat thanked the naval crews who assisted and the ship’s owners, as well as commending all seafarers sailing for their commitment, courage, and resilience, which he described as inspiring.

Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes from tugboat Pemex Maya also attended to receive the award at the ceremony, and commented on his crew’s involvement in the rescue of six shipwrecked persons from four different vessels, in extreme weather and heavy seas caused by a hurricane.

“October 24 and 25, 2023, will remain etched in our memory, not only for the challenges we faced during the devastating passage of Hurricane Otis but also for the decisions that led us to rescue six shipwrecked individuals under extreme conditions,” Captain Fuentes said.

“In those moments of uncertainty, our strength did not come only from preparation but from a shared commitment: to safeguard lives, even at the risk of our own.”

“United as a maritime community, we are capable of overcoming any storm. [This] important recognition, which will serve as an inspiration to continue navigating with courage, humanity, and commitment,” he said.

Certificates of Commendation were also presented to Captain Jerôme Noël Mougoula Saguiliba and Lieutenant Crépin Manfoumbi Mengara, who were both involved in the search and rescue operation of 150 passengers and crew members of the sunken passenger ferry Esther Miracle, which capsized off the coast of Gabon in March 2023.

Captain Saguiliba, Master of LCT Celeste, was nominated for his ship-handling expertise and determination displayed in the search and rescue operation, while Lieutenant Mengara of the Gabonese navy was nominated for exemplary leadership and persistence during the search and rescue, on board the rapid patrol boat Mayumba.