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 165th 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 crews and individuals from dramatic sea rescues honoured, including the crew of ‘Rescue 01’ from 1564 Flt, 905 EAW Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands;  Sergeant Dan Allanson QGM, also part of ‘Rescue 01’, Mr Chris Macdonald of Solent Towage,  and Jake Bowman-Davies, Skipper of FV Cesca.

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 sea. Ultimately, I hope these Awards go some way towards acknowledging their tremendous efforts.’

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

Nominations for this year’s Awards are now open.  You can submit them by contacting Malcolm Williams at general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk

For more information about the awards, visit: www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk

Closing date for receipt of nominations is 12 noon, Friday 6th May 2016.

The Society’s Skill and Gallantry Award in 2015 was given to the crew of ‘Rescue 01’, based at RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands, comprising of Flt Lt Ian Campbell, Captain; Flt Lt Tom Greene, Co-Pilot; Sgt Mike Boissier-Wyles, Radar/Winch Operator and Sgt Dan Allanson, Winchman, for ‘an outstanding air/sea rescue’ by the Society for their courage and determination, which Sir Ben Ainslie described as ‘impressive.’ On 28 July 2014, the crew of ‘Rescue 01’ was tasked to go to the assistance of a fisherman lost overboard from the fishing vessel Venturer off East Falkland