LARS MAERSK Crew Member Receives IMO Award
Posted by Michelle Howard
November 20, 2015
Photo: LARS MAERSK
On Thursday, the IMO honored several seafarers for their impressive and courageous acts in challenging conditions at sea.
The crew of the Danish flagged container vessel LARS MÆRSK, who had been nominated by Australia, were among those honored. The presentation ceremony took place in London on the opening day of the IMO Council.
Able Seaman honored for putting his life at risk to rescue a yachtsman in distress
Especially Able Seaman Vicente Somera from LARS MÆRSK was honored for his role in a 3-hour rescue operation. The Able Seaman displayed great courage when he rescued a yachtsman in total darkness and gales in the Tasmanian Sea. The yachtsman, who was alone on board, had been trying to repair an oil leak for quite some time.
Over and over again, the crew of LARS MÆRSK tried to throw lifebelts as well as ropes to the yachtsman. Eventually, the weak and cold yachtsman succeeded in grabbing a rope. Vicente Somera risked life and limb as he crawled down the swinging ladder from the container ship to rescue the yachtsman, whom he also protected against the rough waves in their joint struggle to get in safety on board LARS MÆRSK.
Important to mark acts of bravery at sea
This year, the main award (the Bravery Award) was presented to Aviation Survival Technician Christopher Leon (USA) for his professional and courageous acts in a demanding operation, saving four competition rowers in distress at sea with their boat in a hurricane.
