Indian Seafarers Honored for Bravery at Sea by International Maritime Organisation

The IMO has lauded Indian seafarers, awarding Captain Avhilash Rawat and his crew for their heroism aboard Marlin Luanda during a missile attack. Despite daunting challenges, their actions prevented a potential disaster. Captain Brijesh Nambiar and INS Visakhapatnam's crew also received commendations for their crucial support.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has acknowledged the exceptional bravery and courage of Indian seafarers in its 2024 awards for Bravery at Sea. During a session on July 10, 2024, the IMO Council honored Captain Avhilash Rawat and the crew of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda for their extraordinary bravery, leadership, and determination.

The commendation also highlighted the crew's efforts, along with crucial naval support, in ensuring crew safety, saving the ship, and preventing an environmental disaster, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Notably, Captain Brijesh Nambiar and the crew of the Indian Naval Ship INS Visakhapatnam received a Letter of Commendation for their remarkable courage and resolve in fire-fighting efforts aboard the Marlin Luanda after it was hit by an anti-ship missile. Their effective use of equipment and personnel helped extinguish the fire and seal a significant hull breach, preventing loss of life and a potential marine pollution incident.

On January 26, 2024, the Marlin Luanda, carrying 84,147 tons of naphtha, was struck by an anti-ship missile while en route from Suez to Incheon. The explosion ignited a cargo tank, creating a severe fire hazard. Despite significant damage, Captain Avhilash Rawat organized firefighting efforts ensuring crew safety and maintaining the ship's navigability. After four and a half hours, assistance arrived from various naval and maritime forces. Trained Indian Navy firefighters, along with the Marlin Luanda crew, managed to extinguish the fire and seal a hull breach. Twenty-four hours after the strike, the Marlin Luanda sailed to safety under naval escort.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed pride and appreciation for the honoured seafarers and Indian Navy, stating, 'This recognition by the IMO highlights the extraordinary bravery and professionalism of Indian seafarers. Their actions have not only saved lives and prevented environmental disasters but have also brought immense pride to our nation. We salute their dedication and heroism.' The IMO invites nominations annually from member countries to honour seafarers for exceptional bravery at sea, and this year's nominations were scrutinized by a panel of experts before being reviewed by the IMO Council.

The annual awards ceremony will take place at IMO Headquarters in London on December 2, 2024, during the 109th session of the Maritime Security Committee, according to the release.

(With inputs from agencies.)