Capt Om Dutta Felicitated With National Gallantry Award 2024
Padmesh Prabhune –
On the occasion of the 61st National Maritime Day Celebrations, a Gallantry Award was presented to Capt Om Dutta towards his rescue operation aboard the Tomini Dynasty, thereby saving 11 lives amidst the high seas.
The Award was presented by Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS Director General of Shipping, and Chairman (NMDC Central committee) along with the Chief Guest, Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, AVSM, NM Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, Indian Navy.
On behalf of Capt Om Dutta the Award was gracefully accepted by his father, Mr. Ashwini Kumar Dutta, and Brother in law Mr. Ameesh Kumar.
However Capt Dutta who is sailing presently, in his virtual address acknowledged the award bestowed upon him and was full of gratitude and praises for DG Shipping. He dedicated the award to all his fellow seafarers and those helping him on the day of the rescue.
Capt. Dutta’s exceptional seamanship led to a successful rescue of 11 Malaysian nationals, including 4 men, 4 women, and 3 children. The survivors had been adrift at sea for three days after their boat capsized and drifted from Malaysian into Philippine waters during a perilous encounter with bad weather.
It so happened on March 23, 2023 at 1015hrs, while en route from Indonesia to Rizhao, the crew of the Tomini Dynasty spotted a distressed craft with people wearing life jackets and asking for help on the vessel’s port side.
Capt. Om Dutta, the master immediately sounded the general alarm informing the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – Mr. Zain Usmani of the intended rescue operation. Adhering to safety protocol, everyone involved in the rescue ops were briefed on adhering to the highest standards of seamanship practice.
The DPA alerted the company’s CEO – Mr. Numair Shaikh and Managing Director (Shipping) _ Mr. Pradeep Bajpai to activate the Emergency Response Team (ERT) that liaised with Master ensuring the operation was conducted safely. The vessel prepared rescue equipment and established communication with the Philippine Coast Guard. The crew lowered the rescue boat and successfully rescued 11 survivors, including children, women, and elderly individuals, from the distressed craft.
All the survivors were provided with water, food, and medical attention with no serious injuries, although one elderly woman who was unconscious and exhausted initially recovered soon.
The vessel informed the relevant maritime authorities, including the Philippine Coast Guard and MRCC Malaysia, about the incident and the nationality of the survivors. All survivors were transferred to a Malaysian naval vessel, with special arrangements made for the elderly woman’s disembarkation. After handing the salvaged boat to the naval vessel, the Tomini ship resumed its voyage to Rizhao, China.
Capt. Om Dutta has been honored with a special recognition presented by Numair Shaikh, CEO, Tomini Group at its Seafarer Seminar held in the UAE.
In addition Capt. Dutta and the entire crew of Tomini Dynasty received a certificate of commendation from the International Registries, Inc. (IRI) for their act. The group also bagged “Bulk Ship of the Year” at the esteemed International Bulk Journal (IBJ) Awards 2023.
Marex Media