According to a recent publication by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Officer Lee Tae Young from South Korea has been recognized with the prestigious IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. This accolade celebrates his remarkable efforts in rescuing 12 crew members from the sinking fishing vessel Geum Seong No. 135 in November 2024.
The award ceremony took place on November 24, 2025, in London during the IMO Assembly, which runs until December 3. Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of IMO, commended Mr. Lee for his “extraordinary leadership and selflessness,” emphasizing that seafarer safety is a top priority for the organization.
In an interview prior to receiving his award, Mr. Lee shared details of that fateful day on November 8 when disaster struck:
“In that moment, my instincts took over; I acted without thinking,” he recalled. “My experience as a scuba diving instructor taught me that staying calm can save lives.”
Lacking formal search and rescue training but driven by instinct and camaraderie, he quickly sprang into action-throwing life rings and assisting crew members amidst treacherous conditions as waves crashed around them.
“I put my colleagues’ safety above my own,” he reflected. “We are like family after spending so much time together at sea.” Ultimately, out of the vessel’s original crew of 27 members, Mr. Lee was instrumental in saving half before being the last to leave.
The event also honored several other individuals with Certificates of Commendation:
Additions included Letters of Commendation sent to various crews worldwide who demonstrated extraordinary courage under duress-from Bangladesh’s Coast Guard averting an oil spill during firefighting operations to Brazil’s M/V Maersk Leader successfully rescuing all crew members from a burning vessel under low visibility conditions.
This year’s awards also highlighted acts performed by merchant vessels’ crews globally who have shown compassion while rescuing migrants at sea-a testament to humanity amid adversity across international waters.
An additional recognition went out to Galaxy Leader’s captain and crew for enduring over a year in captivity between late 2023 and early 2025-a stark reminder about seafarers facing grave dangers due not only to natural elements but geopolitical tensions as well according Secretary-General Dominguez’s remarks regarding their ordeal.
This annual award serves as vital recognition within maritime communities worldwide-celebrating those whose courageous actions prevent loss or damage both human life & marine environments alike!
