Nine remarkable acts of skill, gallantry and service have been recognised at a national awards ceremony. The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society presented the honours at its 173rd Annual Skill & Gallantry Awards, held at Fishmongers’ Hall in London on 7 October.
The crew of Rescue 1, the Falkland Islands’ only Search and Rescue helicopter, received the Edward and Maisie Lewis Award for their extraordinary courage and professionalism in attempting a long‑range rescue of the stricken fishing vessel Argos Georgia on 22 July 2024.
Captain Ben Blackburn, commanding the Fishery Patrol Vessel Lilibet, was named the 2025 recipient of the Emile Robin Award for outstanding leadership and seamanship in perilous South Atlantic conditions. Supported by an RAF A400M, he and his crew successfully rescued 13 fishermen from a life raft during a gruelling 48‑hour operation that tested their skill, judgement and stamina to the limits.
Skipper Grant Irvine of the fishing vessel Opportune was awarded the Lady Swaythling Trophy for outstanding seamanship after his calm leadership saved his crew when the vessel flooded and sank off the Shetland Islands in March 2024. His decision not to risk sending crew into the engine room, combined with skilful mustering and deployment of survival equipment, ensured the safe evacuation of all aboard.
Skipper Tim Chivers and crewman Peter Hickman, of the workboat Malamute, received a Crew Commendation for their sharp observation and decisive actions on the River Thames on 17 December 2024. Spotting what appeared at first to be debris, they rapidly manoeuvred their vessel alongside and pulled a young woman from the freezing river, saving her life.
The crew of HM Coastguard Rescue 163 were presented with a Crew Commendation for their extraordinary efforts in saving the life of a yachtsman at Newhaven on 4 July 2024. When his yacht broke free from its moorings and smashed against the harbour wall, the helicopter crew executed a high-risk rescue in extreme conditions, lowering their winch paramedic onto the disintegrating vessel to bravely pull him clear.
Three Royal Navy Reserve crews were honoured with a Crew Commendation for their seamanship, professionalism and teamwork during the rescue of the yacht, Wizard of ID, near Portsmouth on 15 June 2024. With power lost and heavy seas pushing the vessel towards the rocks, the Reservists manoeuvred their RHIBs in gale-force conditions to place a crew member aboard, tend to the casualty and rig a tow line, successfully bringing the yacht to safety.
The crew of the Fishery Patrol Vessel Lilibet also received a Crew Commendation for their exceptional stamina and seamanship in rescuing 13 survivors from the sinking Argos Georgia. Sailing 250 nautical miles in storm-force winds and 30 foot seas, the crew worked tirelessly over 48 hours to bring all 13 to safety.
Lord Lewin Awards were presented to three outstanding volunteers for service to the charity too. Rebecca Austin, Honorary Agent for Grimsby, was recognised for her dedicated casework on behalf of local seafarers and their families. Richard and Linda Sadler, Honorary Agents for Tenby, Wales, were honoured for their exceptional commitment in managing and relocating the Society’s collecting mines, overcoming logistical challenges and raising vital funds for seafarers in need.
Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Captain Justin Osmond RN, said: “Our Skill and Gallantry Awards, now in their 173rd year, once again highlight the extraordinary courage, technical skill and selfless commitment shown by those who serve at sea and those who support them ashore. This year’s recipients represent the very highest standards of seamanship, bravery and dedication. It is also a privilege to honour our volunteers, whose support allows the Society to continue its vital work for seafarers in need.”
The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society offers support to those across the UK that are suffering hardship during, or after fulfilling their life at sea. The charity continues to provide help to thousands of individuals each year by offering financial and practical support to those in need, and last year launched an additional support fund to further help seafarers in need affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
To find out more information about the charity, visit www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk
