Australian Maritime Rescue Team Wins International Commendation for Bravery

I am pleased to announce six Australians have been honored with a prestigious international commendation for their involvement in the rescue of crew from the Pasha Bulker, which was stranded off Newcastle's Nobbys Beach in June 2007.

Overnight the International Maritime Organization (IMO) awarded six members of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service with 'Certificates citing acts of bravery' for their part in the rescue of 22 crewmen off the stranded ship's deck.

The rescue involved two Westpac helicopters winching the crew to safety in gale force winds and heavy seas. All 22 crew were rescued safely and without injury.

The six recipients are:

• Captain Ian McFadden and Captain Ian Osborne (pilots);
• Graham Nickisson (Crew Chief);
• Peter Praniess (Aircrewman);
• Glen Ramplin and Nathan Langham (Rescue Crewmen).

It is deserved recognition of the bravery shown by these six men in what were treacherous and dangerous weather conditions.

The courage and commitment of rescue workers often goes un-noticed - I am very glad that on this occasion, their acts of bravery have been recognised and rewarded by the world's highest maritime body.

The announcement of the crew's commendation follows their nomination by the Australian Government in April 2008 for the IMO's Award for Exception Bravery at Sea. Their nomination reflected the Government's appreciation and admiration of their selfless work at the scene of one of Australia's major maritime incidents.

According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority - the national search and rescue coordinator - this rescue involved the biggest airlift from a bulk carrier in recent Australian maritime history.

The Australian recipients are one of seven commendation recipients out of a field of 32 nominations. The winner of the main Award is a Brazilian national who displayed acts of courage during a fire on board a drillship off the South American coastline.