Heroes at sea honoured at awards ceremony
Seven remarkable acts of seamanship, courage and professionalism have been recognised by the Society at its annual Skill & Gallantry Awards.
The awards celebrate those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, judgement and selflessness in responding to emergencies at sea and on the water.
The crew of Prestwick-based search and rescue helicopter Rescue 199 received the Edward and Maisie Lewis Award for an outstanding long-range rescue in the North Atlantic. On 7 September 2025, Captain Jamie Ross, Co-Pilot Harry Howell, Winch Operator Alan Robertson and Winch Paramedic Mark Warters rescued a seriously injured crew member from a yacht approximately 170 nautical miles west of Prestwick, in four to five-metre swells and winds of up to 55 knots.
Lieutenant David Hardiman was awarded the Lady Swaythling Trophy for outstanding seamanship after his calm judgement and decisive actions helped prevent a potentially catastrophic collision involving HMS PRINCE OF WALES in the Tyrrhenian Sea. While serving as Officer of the Watch during a Carrier Strike Group deployment in November 2025, he took immediate action when a passenger ferry unexpectedly altered course towards the aircraft carrier.
Five Crew Commendations were also presented.
The crew of Merlin HC Mk4 helicopter Commando 98 — Lieutenant Commander Oliver Trowman, Lieutenant George Day and Colour Sergeant Richard Lane — were commended for their response following the ditching of another aircraft during night deck landing training with HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH south of Lyme Regis. In near-total darkness, they located two survivors in the water and coordinated the rescue response, helping to ensure both were recovered within 25 minutes.
The crew of fishing vessel FV FRANK BONEFAAS received a commendation after providing life-saving care to a crew member who suffered a traumatic arm amputation while fishing in the Bay of Biscay in January 2025. Their rapid application of a tourniquet, ongoing casualty care and preparations for evacuation were instrumental in preserving life.
A second Crew Commendation was awarded to the crew of Rescue 199 after rescuing a lone kayaker off the Mull of Galloway in August 2025. After locating the casualty clinging to an upturned kayak in rough seas, the crew recovered him from the water and provided advanced life-saving treatment during a direct flight to hospital.
The crew of MV Isle of Islay were commended for rescuing an exhausted swimmer off the northern coast of Morocco in February 2026. Their prompt and coordinated response involved personnel across the vessel, from bridge and engineering teams to the Fast Rescue Boat, deck, first-aid and passenger services teams.
The final Crew Commendation went to the crew of Wightlink ferry WIGHT SKY, who rescued two people from the water after their unlit Zapcat racing boat capsized near Yarmouth Harbour in February 2026. The crew launched their rescue boat within minutes and recovered both casualties safely before transferring them to an RNLI lifeboat.
Captain Justin Osmond RN, Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, said: “This year’s recipients represent the very highest standards of seamanship, courage and commitment to others. Whether operating at the limits of an aircraft’s range in extreme weather, making a split-second decision aboard a warship, or responding swiftly to an emergency on the water, every one of these award winners displayed exceptional professionalism.
“Their actions demonstrate the enduring importance of skill, teamwork and selflessness across the maritime community. It is a privilege for the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society to recognise these remarkable individuals and crews through our annual Skill & Gallantry Awards.”
The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society offers support to those across the UK who are suffering hardship during or after a 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