Captain Flouris attended the event to receive the honors on behalf of the entire crew.
This honorary distinction, concerning the rescue operation of the tanker “M/T Sounion” in the Red Sea, recognizes one of the most impressive acts of professionalism, courage, and self-sacrifice in recent maritime history.
The “M/T Sounion”, loaded with approximately 150,000 metric tons of heavy crude oil and nearly 3,000 tons of fuel, was attacked by three unmanned aerial devices (drones) from the Houthis, resulting in a loss of power and the outbreak of multiple explosions and fires on the main deck.
The crew abandoned the ship, while the situation threatened to escalate into one of the most serious environmental crises in the region.
Under extremely adverse and dangerous conditions – with extreme temperatures, instability of the vessel, and a continuous threat of new explosions – Captain Dimitrios Flouris and his team re-boarded the abandoned tanker.
With high professionalism, impeccable seamanship, and effective resource management, they managed to contain and extinguish all fires, stabilize the cargo, and prevent an uncontrolled oil spill.
According to the IMO, the contribution of the captain and his crew of Aigaion Pelagos was “critical in preventing a major environmental disaster and an international maritime incident with enormous implications.”
The event included the presentation of the 2024 International Maritime Prize, as well as the award for exceptional bravery at sea for 2025.
The International Maritime Prize for 2024 was awarded to Dr. Rosalie Balkin, Secretary-General of the Comité Maritime International (CMI) and former Director of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Division of the IMO.
Nominated by the government of Australia, Dr. Balkin was recognized for her exceptional contribution to international maritime law during a career spanning over 50 years. Today, she serves as Secretary-General of the CMI, the world’s oldest organization dedicated to the unification of international maritime law, which was founded in 1897. Appointed in 2017, she is the first woman to hold this position in the 128-year history of the CMI.
Also, officer Lee Tae-Young from the Republic of Korea was selected to receive this year’s IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, in recognition of his heroic actions in rescuing 12 of his colleagues—crew members—when the fishing vessel “135 Geumseongho” sank in November 2024. Mr. Lee was nominated by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). Additionally, 18 other individuals or teams received letters of commendation.
Next Friday, November 28, the IMO Assembly will proceed to elect its new 40-member Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The newly elected council will meet immediately afterwards to elect its chair and vice-chair, setting the leadership of the Organization for the next biennium.
