Time to nominate your sea rescue heroes

A national charity which supports seafarers is calling for people to nominate heroes who have demonstrated outstanding bravery and expertise helping those in peril at sea.

Nominationsarenowopen for the annual Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society (SMS) Skill and Gallantry Awards – which have been made since 1851 to those who have shown courage, bravery and expert skill in rescues at sea.

The Society seeking worthy recipients for its Lady Swaythling Trophy, Edward and Maisie Lewis and Emile Robin Awards, as well as for Crew and Individual Commendations.

SMS chief executive, Capt Justin Osmond, said: “Whilst the majority of us have been staying indoors under strict lockdown rules, let us not forget about the extremely hard-working maritime community that have been out at sea in dangerous conditions working as key workers throughout the pandemic.

“Whilst those working within the maritime and rescue communities are often humble and consider themselves to only be doing their job, it is important that we recognise and celebrate truly heroic acts and as such, I encourage anyone to come forward who has a nomination to make.”

The charity is calling for nominations relating to rescues that took place between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2021. The closing date for submissions is noon on Friday May 7.

To submit a nomination, contact Capt Justin Osmond RN, Chief Executive, Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, 1 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TL, call 01243 789329 or email general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk