Heroes of the sea to be honoured

From John Kinsman at Coastwatch St Monans

The Shipwrecked Mariners Society is calling on members of the maritime community, and rescue organisations, to nominate colleagues and associates who have demonstrated outstanding skill and gallantry in rescuing those in peril at sea.

The society, which has provided financial support to merchant seafarers, fishermen, and their dependants, since 1839, will hold its 166th skill and gallantry awards ceremony in October.

The awards seek to recognise those who have shown exceptional courage in the face of adversity.

Last year saw the society president Admiral Sir George Zambellas present awards to Rescue 193 of 771 Naval Air Squadron at HMS Culdrose. Malcolm Williams, Chief Executive of the society said “The Society‘s annual skill and gallantry awards are the highlight of our events calendar. Every year we see men and women who have shown outstanding skill and bravery recognised, and I am sure this year will be no different. The awards raise awareness of the professionalism and selflessness seafarers and rescue crews demonstrate in keeping others, whether they be seafarers or members of the public, safe from dangers of the sea. Ultimately I hope these awards go some way towards acknowledging their tremendous efforts”.

Within the past year the society has provided financial support in over 2,000 cases of need, received over 500 new applications for assistance and distributed grants worth over £1.4 million.

Nominations for this year‘s awards can be submitted to general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk. The closing date is 12 noon Friday May 5th.