Mustafa Topiwala News

The inaugural IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea has been presented to two seafarers who risked their lives to save others in a dramatic rescue operation in gale-force winds. Second Officer Mustafa Topiwala of the 83,155 dwt Bahamas-registered oil/bulk ore carrier Searose G and Captain Zvonimir Ostric (who was on the vessel as onboard trainer at the time of the incident) were selected to receive the inaugural 2007 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, in recognition of their part in the rescue of survivors from the sunken vessel Teklivka, in the eastern Mediterranean, in March 2006. They were nominated by the Bahamas and by the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA).

rescue in severe weather. the eastern Mediterranean, in March 2006. and by the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA). winds. picking up three crew members. Teklivka were lost. the scope of their normal duties. ship, descending to a liferaft filled with oil and water. during the rescue. November 30, 2007 in London. certificate citing the act of exceptional bravery performed.