Exceptional Bravery at Sea: Crystal Cruises gets award

Genting Cruises Lines is honoured to announce that Vice Captain Damir Rikanovic and Marina Team Leader Kurt Dreyer of Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Esprit have been recognized with Certificates of Commendation by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at the 2017 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea held on 27 November in London, England. Nominated by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Mr Rikanovic and Mr Dreyer were acknowledged for their bravery and selflessness in helping to save 12 French nationals – three children and nine adults – from a distressed catamaran off the coast of the Seychelles during stormy weather on 16 February 2017.

“Genting Cruise Lines is extremely proud of Mr Rikanovic and Mr Dreyer for their roles in the rescue operation in the Seychelles. It is due to their courage and determination that 12 people have been able to return to their families and loved ones from what could have been a potentially terrible disaster,” said Fleet Captain Gustaf Grönberg, SVP Marine Operation & Newbuilding, Genting Hong Kong. “It is our goal to continue to nurture and develop our staff both on board our vessels and on the ground to ensure that our company is represented by the best representatives possible.”

The annual IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea was established by the International Maritime Organization to provide international recognition for those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery, displaying outstanding courage in attempting to save life at sea or in attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment.

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.