Nine British sailors have been awarded the prestigious Merchant Navy Medal for saving lives at sea and championing mental health.
Steven Jones, 52, from The Wirral who received the medal for his work to tackle mental health issues amongst seafarers, in 2017 campaigned to help bring home the Chennai Six, a group of six British maritime security guards wrongly imprisoned in an Indian jail, the UK Department for Transport said.
The department noted that his campaigning had exposed “the injustice and the challenging conditions they faced”.
Steven set up the Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) in 2015, which monitors the mood across the maritime sector and helps shipping companies and maritime bodies provide targeted support where it is needed.
As it is reported, thanks to Steven’s work, the index has shone a spotlight on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on seafarers’ mental health, which has shown steady improvements since its creation.
Maritime Minister, Mike Kane, said: “It’s fantastic to see these 9 remarkable sailors receive this very special award – the highest in the industry. Their dedication, bravery and fortitude is truly inspiring and shows the very best of UK maritime.”
Mr Jones said he was ” thrilled” to receive the medal.
“It’s absolutely vital that seafarers have a voice, are listened to by the industry and seen by society.
“I’m glad I am able to shine a light on the important work that seafarers do and I’ll continue to champion them in the years to come.”
Also receiving the medal are four sailors who went beyond the call of duty and put the safety of others before their own.
Captain Richard Gascoyne Kirkby from Exeter and his rescue boat crew of three sailors – Coxswain Ben Owen Bramwell from Leicestershire, Trystan Tanner from Bicester and Bosun Ashley Oliver West from Worcester, “answered the distress call when a sinking vessel sailing by the coast of Italy issued its mayday call.”
Photo credit: UK Department for Transport / Image: Captain Richard Gascoyne Kirkby, Coxswain Ben Owen Bramwell, Trystan Tanner and Bosun Ashley Oliver West.
“As the only vessel able to attend other than the Greek coastguard, the brave crewmen made the perilous journey in the Mediterranean in the dark of night and safely rescued over 100 people,” the Department of Transport said.
Captain Richard Gascoyne Kirkby noted: “After half a century at sea from Cadet to Master Mariner, working and living in an industry I care passionately about, I am honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award.
“The award belongs to every member of my crew who rescued 100 souls last year near Greece in horrific circumstances.
“This medal serves as a reminder that as seafarers we may be called upon at any time to help others, and I accept it on behalf of all those who dedicate themselves to the safety of life at sea.”
The recipients of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service will receive their medal on 5 November.
