‘Exceptional Bravery at Sea’ bestowed upon Capt Avhilash Rawat & crew of MV Marlin Luanda
Padmesh Prabhune –
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Awards Ceremony was held this week in London with the presentation of the International Maritime Prize for 2023 and 2024 IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at sea. This year the 2024 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea was received by two (sets of) nominees.
First, Captain Avhilash Rawat and the crew of the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Marlin Luanda, who earned recognition for their heroic response to a harrowing attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis in January 2024 and, Second, by Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes and the crew of tugboat Pemex Maya for their courageous and timely actions during Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that ravaged Mexico’s Pacific coast with winds exceeding 185 mph.
Speaking at the ceremony, Captain Rawat highlighted the teamwork and resilience that turned the tide against overwhelming odds. He said, “I want to take this opportunity to thank my entire crew for their exceptional courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. Together, we overcame challenges that seemed insurmountable.”
As it happened in case of tanker Marlin Luanda, while transporting over 84,000 tons of Naphtha their vessel was struck by an uncrewed aerial device, igniting a catastrophic fire that engulfed its cargo tank, with flames reaching over 5 meters above deck. Despite the destruction of critical lifeboats and the constant risk of further attacks, Captain Rawat and his crew mounted a relentless firefighting effort using foam monitors and seawater followed by the crucial support from the assisting naval forces that included vessels from France, the U.S., and India, whose firefighters helped extinguish the flames after a 24-hour ordeal ensuring the safety of the crew, saving the ship and preventing a potential environmental disaster.
Whereas, Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes and the crew of tugboat Pemex Maya in complete darkness and treacherous conditions during Hurricane Otis that ravaged Mexico’s Pacific coast with winds exceeding 185 mph, executed a complex rescue manoeuvre to save six shipwrecked persons from four different vessels while exposing themselves to great personal risk.
The ceremony followed the opening session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109). IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez lauded the recipients for their courage and selflessness, stating “Their bravery is an inspiration for all of us.”
Praising recipients he added, “It is truly an honour to recognize these heroic individuals, who took it upon themselves to act in the face of extreme danger at sea, to save lives. Their bravery is an inspiration for all of us.”
The ceremony also recognized numerous other maritime professionals with Certificates and Letters of Commendation for their exceptional service in rescue operations worldwide, including special recognition for crews involved in migrant rescues at sea.
– Marex Media
Other notable recipients include:
i) Captain Jerôme Noël Mougoula Saguiliba and Lieutenant Crépin Manfoumbi Mengara for their heroic roles in rescuing 150 passengers from the sunken ferry Esther Miracle off Gabon.
ii) Captain Brijesh Nambiar and the crew of INS Visakhapatnam, Indian Navy, for their critical firefighting support aboard the Marlin Luanda.
iii) United States Coast Guard personnel for their courageous efforts in towing distressed vessels during cyclones and rescuing individuals trapped by the Lahaina wildfires.