SL DIAMANTINA

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Tug crew honoured for bravery

The three crew members of the 'SL Diamantina', who assisted the bulk carrier 'Portland Bay' in July 2022, have received an Exceptional Bravery at Sea commendation from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) nominated Mr Brad Lucas (Master), Mr Alex Alsop (Deckhand), and Mr Marius Fenger (Engineer), for their extraordinary efforts in saving the lives of the crew on board the 'Portland Bay' and preventing an environmental disaster on the shores of the world’s second oldest national park, the Royal National Park, south of Sydney. In July 2022, the Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier had lost propulsion during a severe weather event and rapidly drifted towards the coast in gale-force winds and high seas for two days. The crew of the 'SL Diamantina' braved the harsh weather conditions to keep the vessel from running aground, which had come dangerously close to the coast. They managed to secure a tow line to the vessel in waves as high as 10 metres. The tow line parted three times over the course of the next two hours, however the crew was able to keep the bulk carrier from running aground until emergency tugs could arrive and tow the ship to Port Botany. AMSA CEO Mick Kinley extended a heartfelt congratulations to the crew during his meeting with them in London. “Thanks to the remarkable bravery, stamina and resourcefulness of Master Brad Lucas, Engineer Marius Fenger and Deckhand Alex Alsop, 21 people are safe today,” he said. The award was presented to recipients at an IMO ceremony in the night of Dec 6, 2023, in London, with Mr Lucas, Mr Fenger and Mr Alsop in attendance. Tug Master Brad Lucas praised his crewmates for their outstanding support during the incident. “This award means a lot to me because I want to stand next to my engineer Marius and my deckhand Alex and remember the day, remember what we did that day.” Report with photo: https://www.marinebusinessnews.com.au/2023/12/australian-tugboat-responders-honoured-by-imo-for-bravery/