Heroes of the sea honoured at the Skill and Gallantry Awards
23rd March 2017
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.
Above: The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society’s president, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, presents bravery awards to ‘Rescue 193’ of 771 Naval Air Squadron RNAS Culdrose at the 2016 annual Skill and Gallantry Awards.
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’s president, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, present awards to ‘Rescue 193’ of 771 Naval Air Squadron RNAS Culdrose; the Crew of HMS Clyde; Petty Officer Luke Hallis, Chief Bosun’s Mate of HMS Clyde, and Mr John Hunter of Lagan SAR Rescue Swimmer Corps.
Malcolm Williams, chief executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ 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 the 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 £1.4m.
Nominations for this year’s awards can be submitted now by emailing: general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk or by phoning: 01243 789329
The closing date for nominations is 12 noon, Friday, 5 May, 2017.
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