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Search and rescue heroes shortlisted for safety accolades

The shortlist for the first International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) H.E.R.O. Awards has been announced.

The accolades for those who save lives at sea around the world include the Vladimir Maksimov Award for outstanding service to maritime search and rescue (SAR), sponsored by Inmarsat in honour of our Director of SOLAS Services, who died in May 2016. Vladimir played a key role in Inmarsat’s safety services provision during 25 years with the company.

Other categories for the awards, developed in cooperation with IMRF partner McMurdo, a global leader in emergency readiness and response systems, are for team, individual, innovation and technology.

Courage and dedication

Entries have come in from across the world, including organisations and individuals as far afield as China and the United States to Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Shortlisted for the Vladimir Maksimov Award are:

  • Mohammed Drissi, for his work as the Regional Coordinator for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the Rabat, Morocco SAR region linking six bordering countries
  • Bat-Amgalen Gursuren, who is Head of the Search and Rescue Branch of Emergency Management Department in Selenge province, Mongolia
  • Linde Jelsma, of KNRM in the Netherlands, who began work on the IMRF Lifeboat Crew Exchange programme in 2012 and, as head coordinator, has been key to its developing success ever since
  • Mattias Wengelin, based in Uganda, whose nominators describe him as “a role model for younger men and women who are considering international development as a possible path”.

“These awards have revealed the extent of the dedication, selflessness, courage and imagination that exists in the global search and rescue community,” said Bruce Reid, CEO, IMRF.

“They reflect the range of skills – from leadership and communication to practical search and rescue and life-saving invention – that make this community so special and so vital to prevent loss of life in the world’s waters.”

The first recipients of H.E.R.O. awards will be announced at ceremonies at McMurdo headquarters in the USA and Portugal on 15 November.