Tugboat crews were among seafarers recognised for their bravery by IMO in an awards ceremony in London, UK, that highlighted the dangers of working at sea and the emergency support ready to respond
A Greek tug supply vessel’s crew were applauded for their bravery during a salvage operation at an awards ceremony at the IMO headquarters in London, UK, while seafarers on a Bangladesh Coast Guard tugboat and a Japanese Coast Guard vessel were commended for their actions responding to maritime fires.
Captain Flouris Dimitrios and the crew of Aigaion Pelagos were awarded a certificate of commendation for their quick response and salvage of tanker Sounion which had been struck by three uncrewed aerial devices and lost engine power in the Red Sea.
The 2006-built tanker was sailing under the Greek flag and carrying about 150,000 tonnes of heavy crude oil and nearly 3,000 tonnes of bunkers when it was repeatedly hit in Houthi attacks on 21 August 2024. Crew on Sounion were rescued, but the tanker was left burning and drifting for weeks.
Aigaion Pelagos carried out an extensive salvage operation, boarding the abandoned vessel in extreme heat and hazardous conditions, extinguishing the fires and ensuring the cargo was stationary.
IMO said the actions of the Aigaion Pelagos captain and crew were crucial in preventing an environmental disaster.
Crew on Bangladesh Coast Guard tug Promotto were also commended for demonstrating courage and determination during fire-fighting operations on burning crude oil tanker Banglar Sourabh. Their actions averted an oil spill and prevented significant marine environmental damage in poor weather conditions.
