New Delhi: Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Master along with crew members of tugboat Ocean Bliss got international recognition for their exceptional and courageous efforts in the rescue operation of M/T New Diamond which caught fire and was drifting towards the coast, laden with inflammable cargo.

This year, International Maritime Organization (IMO)  council awarded them Certificate of Commendation.

In order to internationally recognise extraordinary seamanship skills and outstanding courage displayed by individuals at sea, International Maritime Organization (IMO) award for exceptional bravery at sea is conferred annually to individuals or groups who, at the risk to their own lives, perform acts of exceptional bravery in attempting to save life at sea or in attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment.

The rescue team members carried out sustained and effective fire- fighting operations and skilfully towed the vessel away from the coast, thereby preventing loss of life at sea and averted a serious marine pollution incident.