IMO Honors Norwegian Rescue Diver Adrian Brask with Posthumous Bravery Award for Ultimate Sacrifice at Sea
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that Norwegian chief mate and rescue diver Adrian Willyson Brask will receive the prestigious 2026 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea posthumously after sacrificing his life during an attempt to save a young girl from a capsized fishing vessel in Norway. The award, regarded as the organization’s highest recognition for courage at sea, highlights extraordinary acts of bravery by maritime professionals who risk their own lives to protect others and safeguard the marine environment.
The decision was endorsed during the 137th session of the IMO Council held in London on 7 July 2026 after an extensive review of more than 50 nominations submitted from around the world. Mr. Brask, who served as Chief Mate and diver aboard the rescue vessel RS 125 Det Norske Veritas of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, was nominated by the Government of Norway and the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA) for his exceptional courage during a life-saving mission.
The tragedy unfolded on 26 September 2025 in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago when a charter fishing vessel carrying four adult tourists, two children and a fishing guide capsized after encountering powerful tidal currents in the waters of Nappstraumen. Rescue teams, including a helicopter from the 330 Squadron and the rescue vessel RS 125 Det Norske Veritas, responded immediately after receiving a distress call.
Upon arrival, rescuers found six survivors clinging to the overturned vessel while one young child remained missing beneath the icy waters. Despite extremely cold temperatures, dangerous underwater currents and limited visibility, Adrian Brask entered the water to search for the missing girl. Working under highly challenging conditions with restricted communication, he carried out a determined underwater search around the submerged vessel.
Shortly afterward, Brask was recovered from the water unconscious. Despite prolonged efforts to revive him, he could not be saved. The missing child was never found. IMO praised his extraordinary selflessness, recognizing that he knowingly accepted extreme personal danger in an effort to save another life.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said Brask’s actions represented the highest traditions of maritime search and rescue services, noting that his willingness to risk everything for a young life demonstrated exceptional courage and ultimate sacrifice.
The IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea will be presented posthumously during the organization’s annual awards ceremony on 14 December 2026.
Alongside the highest honour, the IMO Council approved Certificates of Commendation for several maritime professionals whose actions saved lives during emergencies at sea. Among the recipients are Philippine Coast Guard officers SN2 Nick-Nick S. Udasan and SN2 Ian Glenn B. Morfe, who helped save 316 passengers after the sinking of the passenger vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, and Captain Thomas Michael Leaf together with the crew of the tanker M/T Stena Immaculate, recognized for their disciplined firefighting response following a tanker collision that prevented a major marine pollution incident while ensuring the safe evacuation of all 23 crew members.
The Council also issued Letters of Commendation to maritime personnel from Bangladesh, China, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Japan and Liberia for outstanding rescue operations involving vessel collisions, ship fires, helicopter crashes, severe weather rescues and search-and-rescue missions across international waters. Their efforts included preventing environmental disasters, recovering survivors from sinking vessels and conducting complex rescue operations in some of the world’s most challenging maritime conditions.
In addition, four merchant vessels nominated by Iran, Kuwait and Poland received Special Recognition for their humanitarian role in rescuing migrants at sea, reflecting the global shipping industry’s continued commitment to saving lives regardless of nationality or circumstance.
The IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea are presented annually to individuals and crews whose actions demonstrate extraordinary courage while attempting to save lives or protect the marine environment. The awards remain one of the maritime industry’s highest international recognitions for heroism, reinforcing the critical role played by seafarers, coast guards, naval personnel and rescue services in ensuring safety across the world’s oceans.
