P&O Maritime Logistics’ Captain Honoured for Bravery at Sea by the International Maritime Organization
14 January 2021Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2021: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has awarded P&O Maritime Logistics’ Captain Elbrus Ismayilov with a Letter of Commendation for his acts of bravery at sea.
On 8th May 2019, Captain Ismayilov was leading the P&O Maritime Logistics’ vessel ‘Citadel’ in the Caspian Sea when a nearby vessel, ‘Israfil Huseynov’, experienced a catastrophic explosion. Bad weather conditions at the time of the incident meant that it was impossible to deploy helicopters and other lifesaving appliances to rescue the 14 injured crew members on ‘Israfil Huseynov’. Instead, Captain Ismayilov deployed ‘Citadel’ and its crew to assist in the immediate evacuation of all those onboard the damaged vessel.
Under the leadership of Capitan Ismayilov, the crew of ‘Citadel’ demonstrated exceptional bravery as they approached and positioned themselves alongside ‘Israfil Huseynov’ in extremely poor visibility conditions, received the injured crew members, navigated through extreme fog to deliver the injured personnel safely and efficiently to the nearest port. The ‘Citadel’ crew, together with doctors, were able to provide first aid for the injured individuals during the sea passage prior to them being transferred to waiting ambulances on shore.
Following the incident in 2019, Captain Elbrus Ismayilov and vessel crew members were awarded the badge “Honorary Fleet Officer” and the Order of Honor by the special decree of the Azerbaijan State Maritime Agency. Additionally, the Agency sent a special note of information to the International Maritime Organization.
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has recently recognised Captain Ismayilov for the bravery and heroism he has shown, describing his efforts during the rescue as “among the noblest of human undertakings” and “upholding the finest traditions of those who ply the oceans.”
Speaking on Captain Ismayilov’s award, Martin Helweg, CEO, P&O Maritime Logistics’ said:
“We couldn’t be prouder of Captain Ismayilov and the ‘Citadel’ crew for their professionalism, dedication and self-sacrifice during the evacuation of the ‘Israfil Huseynov’. I know I speak for all of us at P&O Maritime Logistics when I extend my most sincere congratulations to Captain Ismayilov, upon receipt of his Letter of Commendation for Exceptional Bravery at Sea from the International Maritime Organization.
“As an organisation, P&O Maritime Logistics focuses relentlessly on health and safety and understand the courage it takes to put one’s life on the line for a fellow seafarer. The actions of Captain Ismayilov are truly remarkable and we thank him for his continued service.”
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About P&O Maritime Logistics
P&O Maritime Logistics is a leading provider of marine solutions with a focus on offshore energy, port services and logistics. The company owns and operates approximately 400 vessels and provides a wide portfolio of value-added marine services and the ability to integrate these offerings for its customers – always with safety and the environment at the forefront.
Headquartered in Dubai, the company has operations globally across all seven continents.
About DP World:
We are the leading provider of smart logistics solutions, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. Our comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain – from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks as well as technology-driven customer solutions.
We deliver these services through an interconnected global network of 127 business units in 51 countries across six continents, with a significant presence both in high-growth and mature markets. Wherever we operate, we integrate sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship into our activities, striving for a positive contribution to the economies and communities where we live and work.
Our dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 56,000 employees from 134 countries are committed to delivering unrivalled value to our customers and partners. We do this by focusing on mutually beneficial relationships – with governments, shippers, traders, and other stakeholders along the global supply chain – relationships built on a foundation of mutual trust and enduring partnership.
We think ahead, anticipate change and deploy industry-leading technology to create the smartest, most efficient and innovative trade solutions, while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, societies and our planet.
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P&O Maritime Logistics