Courtesy of the IMO
A diver who rescued six people from a sunken cargo ship will receive the 2018 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery At Sea.
Zhong Haifeng, senior diver and deputy of the Engineering Team of Guangzhou Salvage, searched for survivors after the bulk carrier M.V Jin Ze Lun sank after colliding with another ship in Guangzhou Port, China, on November 27, 2017.
After 36 hours, six surviving crewmembers were located trapped in the cargo hold.
Zhong led his team as it replenished oxygen to the cabin and taught the survivors how to put on and use scuba diving equipment.
Mr. Zhong Haifeng, senior diver and deputy of the Engineering Team of Guangzhou Salvage, will receive the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery At Sea for rescue three people from a sunken cargo ship. (Pic: Guangzhou Salvage, China).
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In just one hour, Zhong had brought three of the survivors back to the surface, despite suffering from extreme exhaustion.
In giving him the award, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) said: “…by personally exerting tireless efforts under highly dangerous circumstances, Mr. Zhong demonstrated truly exceptional bravery and human spirit.”
The IMO’s annual award was established to recognise those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery. Zhong will receive the award at the IMO’s official ceremony on December 6, 2018 in London.
