Captain Avhilash Rawat and the Officers and Crew of the oil tanker MARLIN LUANDA, chartered by Trafigura Beheer B.V. and managed by Suntech Ship Management PTE. Ltd., received the 2024 International Maritime Organization (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea on 2 December 2024 at IMO headquarters in London. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez presented the award for their role in protecting 23 lives aboard as well as the marine environment after the vessel was struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile.
While underway and fully loaded with a cargo of Naphtha in the Gulf of Aden on 26 January 2024, MARLIN LUANDA was struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Houthi forces from the Yemeni coast. The strike caused an intense fire in one of the vessel’s starboard cargo tanks, which the Crew immediately deployed firefighting equipment to combat. Captain Avhilash Rawat notified United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and sent a distress call to coalition naval forces in the area. Support from United States, Indian, and French Naval warships arrived on the scene to assist the Crew with firefighting efforts. The Indian Navy provided ten personnel with specialist firefighting equipment, while the United States and French Navy provided essential low-expansion firefighting foam. The fire raged for hours, but Captain Avhilash Rawat and Crew, demonstrating immense bravery and professionalism, relentlessly continued to fight the fire. After a total of approximately 20 hours of firefighting the fire was fully extinguished with no injuries suffered by the Crew or damage caused to the marine environment. MARLIN LUANDA resumed its voyage to a safe harbour for inspection and necessary repairs.
Upon accepting the award, Captain Avhilash Rawat expressed his sincere appreciation for the courage, professionalism, and dedication of his Crew, stating, “your support and trust were invaluable during those critical hours, and together, we overcame challenges that seemed insurmountable.”
Captain Avhilash Rawat also took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the quick thinking and support provided by the onboard security team from Ambrey, as well as the Indian, French and United States naval forces that responded quickly and efficiently to their aid. Captain Avhilash Rawat expressed his gratitude for the immense support provided by Suntech Ship Management PTE. Ltd., Trafigura Beheer B.V., and the families of the Crew. Captain Avhilash Rawat concluded his remarks with appreciation for seafarers, noting, “as we sail through both calm and stormy waters, let us remember that it is our unity, skill, and determination that strengthen us and keep us committed to the work we do.”
The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator congratulates Captain Avhilash Rawat and the Officers and Crew of MARLIN LUANDA for their exemplary commitment to the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment.
