From Left to Right: Captain Bernd Appel, William R. Gallagher and Captain Stephan Williams

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(October 16, 2003)

International Registries, Inc. (IRI) held its annual James E. McGuire Safety Award dinner in Reston, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. on October 15, 2003. Captain Stephen Williams and Captain Bernd Appel were this year’s recipients. In attendance were distinguished members of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), members of the Marshall Islands Quality Council and leaders of the international maritime community. Both Captain Williams and Captain Appel were recognized for their outstanding seamanship, skill and courage.

On August 17, 2002, the OSPREY, mastered by Captain Williams, was on passage in ballast from Japan to Fujairah when it received a distress call from the dry cargo ship MAGI. Captain Williams diverted to the scene and found the MAGI in sinking condition. The crew abandoned ship by lifeboat. When the lifeboat’s engine failed, in near gale conditions, rough seas with a heavy swell, the OSPREY launched its rescue boat. After a difficult tow, which was aided by the tanker maneuvering to create a lee, the lifeboat was brought alongside. All 22 crewmembers were rescued uninjured. This rescue also earned the master and crew of the OSPREY the prestigious AMVER System International Rescue at Sea Award. The OSPREY, a Marshall Islands registered 1999 built double-hull tanker of 284,893 dwt, is operated by International Marine Transportation Ltd., an Exxon Mobil Corporation subsidiary company.

In November 2002, Captain Appel was master of the WEHR ALTONA, which rendered assistance to the crew of the abandoned and burning container vessel HANJIN PENNSYLVANIA. The rapid response and professional actions taken by the WEHR ALTONA, under the command of Captain Appel, during difficult circumstances, resulted in the rescue of the 19 surviving crewmembers of the HANJIN PENNSYLVANIA. The WEHR ALTONA, a Marshall Islands registered 1997 built containership of 23,040 dwt, is operated by Oskar Wehr KG GmbH & Co.

Experienced mariners, Captain Robert Fay, Vice President Seafarers’ Documentation and Captain Thomas Heinan, Senior Vice President, Maritime Operations Department of IRI presented the awards to the distinguished captains. Bill Gallagher, President of IRI, commented to the recipients, “it is an honor and privilege to present the McGuire Award to Captain Williams and Captain Appel. Their actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the sea.”

The McGuire Award is given to individuals and organizations, which by their leadership make a significant contribution to maritime safety and protection of the oceans. The award is in memory of the late James E. McGuire, former Director of Marine Safety.