The Shipwrecked Mariners' Society has called for nominations for the annual Skill and Gallantry Awards.

The Society wants members of the maritime and rescue communities to nominate people who have demonstrated outstanding bravery and expertise in aiding those in peril at sea.

Since 1839, the Society has provided financial and practical help, assistance and advice to fishermen, mariners and their dependants who have suffered hardship, misfortune or poverty, as a result of being at sea or in retirement.

Chief Executive Captain Justin Osmond said: "The Society's Skill and Gallantry Awards provide us with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate true acts of heroism at sea each year, whether through expert teamwork or individual bravery."

Among last year’s recipients was Jay Holden, a skipper who facilitated the rescue of his crewmate who fell overboard in severe winds and high seas off the coast of Salcombe, Devon, in March 2019.

Captain Osmond added: "The awards are now in their 169th year and whilst many of our heroes are extremely humble and see their actions as simply part of their job, we want to encourage nominations from individuals or organisations so we can thank those who have gone to great lengths to protect others."

Last year the Society distributed more than £1.4m in grants in over 2,000 cases of need and received more than 500 new applications for assistance.

To be nominated, the rescues must have taken place between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020 and the awards are set to be presented in October.

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