Chinese Chief Officer Chosen for IMO Gallantry Award

Mr. Bo Xu, Chief Officer of Oil Tanker Xian Qiao 502, to be honored with the 2022 International Maritime Organization (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea in honor of his bravery, tenacity, and endurance while saving two people in a liferaft close to Zifu Bay in northern China. in harsh weather and rough seas.

The cargo ship Tian Feng 369 encountered bad weather one morning of December 2021, flooded, and started to sink 30 nautical miles northeast of Zhifu Bay. Tanker Jian Qiao 502, which was heading to the Port of Dongguan, swiftly altered course to help the distressed ship.

Chief Officer Bo Xu discovered two survivors in a floating lifeboat that was filled with seawater during a vigorous hour-and-a-half-long search. Jian Qiao was approaching the 502 raft when the crew recognized that both survivors lacked the strength to safely tie themselves.

Mr. Xu leapt into the chilly water without thinking, swimming steadily in the direction of the raft while dodging large waves and strong currents. The survivors were successfully hoisted to the deck with the aid of other crew members after he reached and dragged himself up to the life raft after making many unsuccessful efforts.

The chief officer promptly revived both survivors after returning to the ship, despite the fact that they were still exhausted and chilly. One of the survivors eventually made it through, but the other sadly passed away from hypothermia.

China nominated Mr. Bo Xu as a candidate for the honor.

The IMO established this yearly award to honor individuals who, at great personal danger, engage in extraordinary acts of bravery in an effort to protect property, save lives at sea, or mitigate harm. environment in the sea. Such bravery may include great sailing prowess or any other display of outstanding bravery under extremely challenging circumstances.

A group of nominees will be recognized with citations for their bravery, while the other six will also be recognized.

The IMO Council's 127th session (11–15 July) endorsed a panel of judges to choose the honorees. 17 member states and two NGOs serving in consultative roles with the IMO submitted a total of 41 nominations for the 2022 award.