Capt. Vidanagamage wins top Lloyd’s List award

Capt. Vimarshana Serosh Vidanagamage of China Navigation Co. Pvt. Ltd. was awarded The Amver Assisted Rescue at Sea Aware, in recognition of his significant achievements over the past year.

The award was presented in the Lloyd’s List Awards Global 2012 ceremony was held on 26 September 2012 at the Lonchaster Hotel, London.

M.V. Kwantung, under the command of Captain Vimarshana Serosh Vidanagamage, while departing Lae at 7:30 hrs on 2 February 2012, responded to a May Day call and joined the search and rescue operation for passenger on the ferry ‘Rabaul Queen,’ which had capsized in heavy weather.

Shortly after reaching the SAR operation area, Kwantung was requested to take over the role of on-scene command ship, coordinating shipboard response and liaising with the helicopters and fixed wing air craft taking part. Over the next two days, 246 passengers were rescued but tragically over 250 were lost.

Dave Watkins, Security and Safety Manager of Rescue Coordinating Center (RCC), Australia said: “RCC Australia withes to convey our sincere gratitude to the Master, Officers and Crew of MV Kwantung for their professionalism and dedication to the preservation of life at sea.

In particular, Captain Vidanagamage’s tireless efforts as on-scene commander were invaluable to the search effort. The Captain’s command over two days of searching in rough seas, and under such tragic circumstances, ensured that the victims of this tragic incident were given the best possible chance of survival.”