IMO Awards Ceremony 2024

Captain Ian Finley, Permanent Representative of the Cook Islands to IMO, was the recipient of the International Maritime Prize for 2023.

Captain Finley was nominated for the award by the Government of the Cook Islands. As a delegate to IMO, representing Panama and latterly the Cook Islands, he has been an active participant in the development of virtually all safety, environmental and legal legislation adopted by the Organization since 1995.

Please see more information here. 

2024 IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at sea

The 2024 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea was received by two sets of nominees: 

• the Captain and crew of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda, f:r containing a fire after the ship was struck by an anti-ship missile. The Panel of Judges was of the view that the exceptional bravery, leadership and determination of Captain Rawat and his crew, along with the crucial support from the assisting naval forces, were pivotal in ensuring the safety of the crew, saving the ship and preventing a potential environmental disaster. 

• the Captain and crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya, for their rescue of six shipwrecked persons from four different vessels, during a hurricane.The Panel of Judges praised Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes and the crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya for their courageous and timely actions which ensured the survival of six shipwrecked persons, while exposing themselves to great personal risk.
  

Two individuals received certificates of commendation for their acts of bravery:

• Captain Jerôme Noël Mougoula Saguiliba, Master of the LCT Celeste, nominated by Gabon, for his exceptional ship-handling expertise and determination displayed in the search and rescue operation of 150 passengers and crew members of the sunken passenger ferry Esther Miracle. 
  

• Lieutenant Crépin Manfoumbi Mengara, on board the rapid patrol boat Mayumba, Gabonese Navy, nominated by Gabon, for the exemplary leadership and persistence during the search and rescue operation of the Esther Miracle. 
  

In addition, 15 letters of commendation were sent to their recipients.

Please see more information here. 

The ceremony is open to delegates attending the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) 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.