Call to honour UK’s heroic mariners

Presented by the Society every year since 1851, its annual Skill and Gallantry Awards recognise the UK’s unsung sea rescue heroes as well as those who have given outstanding service to the charity, which supports ex-merchant seafarers, fishermen and their dependents in times of financial hardship.

Last year’s ceremony saw the crews and individuals from three dramatic sea rescues honoured alongside the charity’s longest serving volunteer, who has raised more than £100,000 for the charity.

Two rescue crews from Cornwall were honoured, including the crew of Rescue 193 from RNAS Culdrose, who saved the lives of four trawlermen whose fire damaged vessel lost power in stormy conditions off the Isles of Scilly on New Years Eve. One crew member, Petty Officer Aircrewman Dian Lacy, received an individual commendation for his bravery after being plunged into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean during the rescue.

Other winners included Lifeboat Coxswain Gary Fairbairn of RNLI Dunbar for ‘outstanding seamanship and teamwork’ in rescuing a sailor and his wife whose stricken yacht was in danger of being wrecked in rough seas north east of Dunbar.

Nominations for this year’s awards ceremony are now open and the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is calling on all seafarers to look within their own crews for examples of outstanding acts of bravery and heroism.

Alan Titchmarsh, who is supporting this year’s Skill and Gallantry Awards explained, ‘As Patron of the Cowes RNLI lifeboat and an enthusiast myself, I understand the challenges of working at sea, which is why I am supporting the awards. The Skill and Gallantry Awards recognise the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in dangerous sea rescues every day, as well as the dedicated fundraisers who support the important work undertaken by The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.’

The Society, which celebrates its 172^nd anniversary this year, received 744 new applications for assistance last year, a significant increase on the previous year and it helped seafarers in 2,750 cases of need, distributing grants totalling £1.6m. Donations from the public are vital to help this vulnerable community.

Mr Titchmarsh continued, ‘There are thousands of retired seafarers living in the UK who have devoted their lives to the maritime industry, often working in very dangerous conditions, and yet are not enjoying the quality of life they deserve. This is why the work of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is so important and makes a real difference to the lives of former mariners, whether it be through the provision of financial support, help with claiming benefits or supplying essential household items such as a new washing machine.’

Malcolm Williams, chief executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society concluded, ‘The Society’s annual October Skill and Gallantry Awards are an important event in the maritime calendar and a chance to honour all those unsung heroes who risk their lives everyday to keep seafarers’ and members of the public safe. Every year I am struck by the qualities of the men and women who are nominated and the courage they display in helping those in distress at sea.”

For further information about the awards, or to submit a nomination, contact: Malcolm Williams at Tel: 01243 789329, Email: general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk Web: www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk