NEW DELHI: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has honoured Indian seafarers for their ‘extraordinary bravery, leadership, and determination in preventing a grave environmental disaster at sea”.

The annual awards by the IMO are a process by this specialised agency of the United Nations to recognise seafarers from among its 176 member countries for exceptional bravery in the high seas.

This year’s awards announced by the IMO yesterday were for two cases at sea.

In the first instance, an oil tanker, Marlin Luanda, was struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile while it was carrying highly hazardous cargo.

Captain Avhilash Rawat and the crew of Marlin Luanda were honoured for effective action to extinguish the fire on the ship and seal a big hull breach. Their actions prevented a serious marine pollution and loss of life, the IMO said.

The second award was for Captain Brijesh Nambiar and the crew of the Indian Naval Ship INS Visakhapatnam for their ‘remarkable courage and resolve in fire-fighting’ a
t sea.

India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said in a statement, ‘This recognition by the IMO highlights the extraordinary bravery and professionalism demonstrated by Indian seafarers. Their actions have saved lives and prevented environmental disasters.’

India’s Directorate General of Shipping said in another statement, ‘These awards showcase the technical prowess and unwavering dedication, skill, resilience and bravery of Indian seafarers.’

Source: Emirates News Agency