Lloyds List gave Capt. Alwin Landry its Shipmaster of the Year Award for his actions after the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion in April that triggered the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The accident resulted in a stream of footage of environmental damage and daily concerns about when the flow of oil would be stopped. The day ended tragically for 11 families who lost loved ones in the explosion. But for Landry, the death toll might have been higher.
His ship, the Damon Bankston, was alongside the rig when the explosion occurred. He brought the ship to a safe distance from the rig and assisted in rescue operations, including the deployment of his fast rescue boat back to the rig.
"The purpose of the Shipmaster of the Year Award is to recognize and value the ultimate responsibility of the Master for the safety of the ship, her crew and her cargo, as well as the safety of life at sea generally," said Tom Leander, editor of Lloyd's List.
The Lloyd's List Awards, honoring excellence in shipping, were handed out Wednesday in London. Fourteen companies, organizations and individuals received awards in categories that recognized innovation, courage, corporate responsibility, business and seafaring skills, and lifetime achievement.
Click here for the full press release.
