Four sailors have been awarded the prestigious Merchant Navy Medal for their bravery in rescuing over 100 people from a sinking migrant vessel in the Mediterranean Sea. The crew, led by Captain Richard Kirkby, along with Ben Bramwell, Trystan Tanner, and Ashley West, responded to a mayday call in June 2023 when a migrant ship was sinking off the coast of Greece. Despite the dangerous night-time conditions, the team managed to save 104 lives from the Adriana, a ship that was reportedly carrying up to 750 migrants on its ill-fated journey to Italy. Tragically, only 104 people survived the disaster.
Captain Kirkby, hailing from Exeter in Devon, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, stating that the medal is a testament to the dedication of his entire crew. He emphasized the importance of seafarers being prepared to help others at any time, acknowledging that this honor belongs to every member of his crew who acted heroically under harrowing circumstances.
The medals will be presented to the crew in a ceremony on 5 November, where they will be recognized “for services to support, welfare, and rescue.” The four men are among nine individuals being honored for their exceptional contributions to the maritime industry. Sharon Coveney, the deputy chief executive of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, praised the recipients as unsung heroes who demonstrate unwavering commitment and loyalty to their profession.
This recognition not only highlights the bravery of these sailors but also serves as a reminder of the risks seafarers take to ensure the safety of life at sea.