2025 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea

2025 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea

Officer Lee Tae-Young of the Republic of Korea has been selected to receive this year’s IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, in recognition of his heroic actions in saving 12 fellow crew members when the fishing vessel 135 Geumseongho sank in November 2024. Mr. Lee was nominated by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).

The IMO Council agreed to award certificates of commendation to:  

• The Captain and crew of the Rescue 901 helicopter of the 103 Squadron, Gander NL&L, Royal Canadian Airforce, nominated by Canada for their courage, tenacity and technical skill displayed during the rescue of the 20 crew members of the 207-meter-long disabled cargo vessel MBC Baltic III. 
• Captain Flouris Dimitrios and the crew of the tug supply vessel Aigaion Pelagos, nominated by Greece, for their exceptional bravery, exemplary seamanship and resource management skills in the salvage operation of the M/T Sounion. 
• The Members of the Special Rescue Team of the Japanese Coast Guard, nominated by Japan, for their courage and determination during the rescue of the remaining survivor of the Japanese tugboat Shouei-Maru that caught fire and capsized due to a collision with a cargo ship while towing a barge. 
• Aviation Survival Technician Second Class (AST2) Micheal Diglio, Coast Guard rescue swimmer at the Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater of the United States Coast Guard, nominated by the United States, for his brave and decisive actions during the rescue of two mariners stranded aboard the disabled sailing vessel Venture amidst the extreme conditions of the tropical storm Debby. 

In addition, 18 individuals or groups will receive Letters of Commendation.

Please find more information here. 

Attend the ceremony

The ceremony is open to delegates and invited guests. 

Please contact ero@imo.org for further information. 

Media who wish to attend and to inquire about interviews should contact media@imo.org  

Additional information

Please see more information about IMO Awards and recognitions here.