Acts of exceptional bravery at sea honoured at IMO Annual Awards ceremony

Ms. Lydia Ferrad of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), which had nominated Mr. Lee, accepted the award on his behalf.

In a statement to IMO ahead of the awards, Mr. Lee recounted how he risked life for his crewmates on 8 November 2024, when the fishing vessel GeumSeong No. 135 rapidly listed and capsized:  

“In that instant, my body moved instinctively, my actions preceding my thoughts. I acted on the belief, ingrained from my days as a scuba diving instructor, that cool headedness saves lives…“I prioritized my colleagues over my own safety. It wasn’t so much a choice I made, but rather a feeling of family, having lived together on the sea. That feeling remains unchanged to this day,” he continued. 

Out of the 27 crew members on board the vessels, 12 were rescued by Mr. Lee. He was the last to leave the GeumSeong No. 135. 

“At every moment I wanted to give up, my family’s faces came to mind. And my colleagues before me looked at me with eyes that said, ‘I want to live.’ That gaze made my body move again,” he added. 

He was grateful for the award, while stressing that the safety of seafarers is not an individual responsibility, but one that both shipowners and governments must share: “We must never forget that a single lapse in vigilance can take a life.” 

Some have been given Letters of Commendation including a Lieutenant, Masters, Captains and crew members with nominations from many countries such as Bangladesh,Brazil,Bulgaria,China,Georgia,Germany,India, Panama, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Turkiye and United States.      

The bravery, professionalism and compassion demonstrated by crews of merchant vessels in the rescue of migrants at sea around the world was given special recognition, with the captains and crews of 11 different vessels, nominated by China, the United Kingdom, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)   The Secretary-General further recognized the courage of the captain and crew of the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader, who endured more than a year in captivity between November 2023 and January 2025.“Their ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the many seafarers who, through no fault of their own, have been held hostage or subject to prolonged detention and grave danger at sea amid geopolitical tensions,” said Secretary-General Dominguez.  

This annual Award was established by IMO to provide international recognition for those who perform acts of exceptional bravery, displaying outstanding courage in attempting to save life at sea or in attempting to prevent damage to the marine environment