The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has recognized Captain Avhilash Rawat and his crew of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda for their “extraordinary courage” displayed during a harrowing rescue mission in the Red Sea. They were among the winners of the IMO Award 2024 for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, announced on July 10, 2024.
About Red Sea
- The Red Sea is a sea inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. Its connection to the ocean is in the south, through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. To its north lie the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez—leading to the Suez Canal.
Credit: https://medsourcelabs.com/uncategorized/red-sea-crisis-update/
Points of Recognition for IMO Award
- Courageous Response to Missile Strike:
- On January 26, 2024, the Marlin Luanda, transporting 84,147 tonnes of Naphtha from Suez to Incheon, was struck by an anti-ship missile reportedly fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
- The explosion ignited a cargo tank, creating a significant fire hazard with flames exceeding 5 meters.
- Swift and Effective Firefighting Efforts:
- Despite the immediate danger, Captain Rawat organized firefighting efforts, ensuring the crew’s safety and maintaining the ship’s navigability.
- With the starboard lifeboat destroyed, the crew mustered at the port lifeboat station, ready for potential evacuation.
- Persistent Firefighting Under Extreme Conditions:
- The crew fought the fire using fixed foam monitors and portable hoses. After exhausting foam supplies, they contained the fire using seawater.
- Their efforts were bolstered by the merchant tanker Achilles and later by French and American frigates, which provided additional support.
- Critical Support from Indian Navy:
- The Indian warship INS Visakhapatnam, under Captain Brijesh Nambiar, provided crucial assistance. Indian Navy firefighters, equipped with superior gear, managed to get closer to the fire, playing a key role in extinguishing it and sealing a significant hull breach.
- Successful Containment and Evacuation:
- Despite the fire reigniting multiple times, Captain Rawat and his crew, along with professional firefighters, successfully extinguished the fire.
- Twenty-four hours after the missile strike, the Marlin Luanda sailed to safety under naval escort.
Recognition and Awards
- Captain Avhilash Rawat and his crew were nominated for the award by the Marshall Islands. They will receive their awards at the annual IMO ceremony on December 2, during the 109th session of the Maritime Security Committee in London.
- Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes and the crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya, nominated by Mexico, are co-recipients of the award.
- The IMO received 41 nominations from 15 member states and three non-governmental organizations. An Assessment Panel reviewed the nominations, and a panel of judges selected the final honorees.
The IMO Council endorsed the recommendations of the Panel of Judges during its 132nd session held in London, marking the culmination of a rigorous selection process.
About International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.
- Establishment: Founded in 1948 as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), it became IMO in
- Headquarters: Located in London, United Kingdom.
- Main Functions:
- Safety: Establishes regulations to ensure maritime safety and security.
- Environment: Develop policies to prevent marine pollution from ships.
- Legal Matters: Addresses legal issues related to shipping, including liability and compensation.
- Conventions: Responsible for key conventions like the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
- Member States: Comprises 175 member states and three associate members.
- Structure:
- Assembly: The highest governing body, meets every two years.
- Council: Acts as the executive organ, elected by the Assembly for two-year terms.
- Committees: Includes Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), and others focusing on specific areas.
- The IMO plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.
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