In a stirring celebration of bravery and dedication, nine British sailors have been awarded the prestigious Merchant Navy Medal, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to maritime safety and mental health advocacy.
These remarkable individuals exemplify the very best of UK maritime, their stories of heroism and fortitude standing as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the seafaring community.
Recognizing Exceptional Bravery
On September 3rd, 2024, the UK government honored these sailors, including Captain Richard Gascoyne Kirby and his crew, for their life-saving actions at sea.
When a sinking vessel off the coast of Italy issued a desperate mayday call, Captain Kirby and his crew—Coxswain Ben Owen Bramwell, Trystan Tanner, and Bosun Ashley Oliver West—were the only ones able to respond, aside from the Greek coastguard.
In the dead of night, they navigated treacherous waters to rescue over 100 people, displaying the highest level of courage and professionalism.
Captain Kirby, reflecting on the rescue, said,
“This medal serves as a reminder that as seafarers, we may be called upon at any time to help others, and I accept it on behalf of all those who dedicate themselves to the safety of life at sea.”
Championing Seafarer Mental Health
Among the awardees is Steven Jones, a seafarer from The Wirral, whose work has been instrumental in addressing mental health challenges within the maritime industry.
In 2015, Jones established the Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI), a tool designed to monitor the mood across the sector and provide targeted support where needed.
His efforts have been particularly vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the mental well-being of seafarers faced unprecedented challenges.
Jones, reflecting on his achievement, noted,
“It’s absolutely vital that seafarers have a voice, are listened to by the industry, and seen by society. I’m glad I can shine a light on the important work that seafarers do, and I’ll continue to champion them in the years to come.”
Supporting Maritime Wellbeing
The UK government’s commitment to improving seafarer welfare is evident through its collaboration with organizations like Maritime UK and The Mission to Seafarers.
These initiatives aim to bolster seafarer well-being both on land and at sea, ensuring that the industry not only thrives but also supports its workforce in meaningful ways.
Ben Bailey, Director of Programme at The Mission to Seafarers, praised Steven Jones’s contributions:
“Steven has been instrumental in framing the debate on seafarers’ mental health, ensuring the profession evolves to build a resilient workforce and meet their well-being needs.”
Recipient | Awarded For | Localisation |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Richard Gascoyne Kirby | Maritime Rescue | Exeter, UK |
| Steven Jones | Seafarer Mental Health Advocacy | The Wirral, UK |
| Coxswain Ben Owen Bramwell | Maritime Rescue | Leicestershire, UK |
| Trystan Tanner | Maritime Rescue | Bicester, UK |
| Bosun Ashley Oliver West | Maritime Rescue | Worcester, UK |
Honouring Unsung Heroes
The annual Merchant Navy Day, held on September 3rd, serves as a reminder of the vital role the Merchant Navy plays in global trade and national security. The nine recipients of this year’s Merchant Navy Medal are unsung heroes who have gone above and beyond in their service.
As Deputy Chief Executive of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Sharon Coveney, expressed,
“The 9 recipients are all unsung heroes and are hugely deserving to receive a medal of this high stature.”
These awards, to be presented by HRH Princess Anne on November 5th, 2024, in a special ceremony, celebrate not only individual achievements but also the broader contributions of the maritime community to the UK’s legacy of excellence at sea.
Sources: Nouvelles THX, Département des transports & Mike Kane MP.
