The International Maritime Organization bestowed its highest award for bravery on a sailor working for one of the shipping lines that carries FIJI Water from Fiji.
James Fanifau of Neptune Pacific Shipping was awarded the 2010 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea in a ceremony in London on November 24.
Fanifau, 30, of Fiji, was joined at the ceremony by the man whose life he saved, Dr. Jerome Morgan, 72, of the United States (both pictured above).
A Dramatic Rescue at Sea
Fanifau was Fourth Engineer aboard the cargo ship MV Scarlett Lucy on May 21, 2009, when the ship responded to a broadcast from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre. Morgan’s yacht, the Sumatra II, was taking on water and sinking amid severe weather conditions in the Tasman Sea 350 miles east of Brisbane. Weather conditions were very poor, with rough seas, waves up to eight meters high, and low visibility. In addition, the yacht was too far from shore for a rescue helicopter to be sent.
When the Scarlett Lucy arrived, a second passenger on the Sumatra II was able to scramble up a boarding net to safety, but Morgan remained adrift and repeated attempts to rescue him with life rings failed. Finally, displaying exceptional heroism, Fanifau dove overboard and pulled the exhausted Morgan to safety.
Here is some video of the rescue:
Morgan’s sons were also present at the ceremony, where the doctor thanked Fanifau for saving his life. “I would not be standing here before you today if it were not for the courage and bravery of James Fanifau. James braved the violent storm that dark night to reach out for me and deliver me from the certain jaws of death, so that I would be able to see my beloved family again.”
The IMO established this annual award to provide international recognition for those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery, displaying outstanding courage in attempting to save life at sea or in attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment.
A total of 31 international candidates were considered for the 2010 award with Fanifau’s actions being recognised by an eminent panel of judges and supported by the governing Council of the IMO.
Officers of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre recommended Fanifau for the nomination, noting it was one of the most courageous rescues they had witnessed in recent years, according to the AMSA’s website.
