Nominations are needed for maritime and rescue awards

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is calling on members of the maritime and rescue communities to nominate those who have demonstrated outstanding courage and expertise in aiding those in peril at sea.

This year, the society will host its 168th Skill and Gallantry Awards.

Since 1851, the Society has presented the awards to those who have shown bravery and skill in rescues at sea and this year’s awards will be presented at the Charity’s AGM in October.

Founded after the tragic loss of a fleet of fishing boats in 1839, the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society provides financial support to individuals in need who have worked, or are still working at sea in the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, as well as their dependants.

Last year the Society distributed more than £1.4m in grants in over 2,000 cases of need and it received 503 new applications for assistance.

Captain Justin Osmond, chief executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, said: “Last year we recognised large-scale rescue operations out at sea as well as individual acts of bravery on our shores.

“We hope to honour many more seafarers and rescue crews who consistently demonstrate their courage and dedication to keeping others safe at sea.”

“The society has been presenting these awards for 168 years and we are once again calling for nominations for those who have acted with skill and gallantry, so that we, and the wider community, can rightly celebrate their tremendous efforts.”

The society is calling for nominations of acts of rescue that took place between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019.

To submit a nomination for this year’s Skill and Gallantry Awards, contact: Capt Justin Osmond RN, Chief Executive at Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, 1 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TL

Alternatively, telephone 01243 789329 or email general@shipwrecked mariners.org.uk .

The closing date for nominations is 12pm, Friday, May 3.