Where India is struggling to survive the hurricane of Demonetization, Radhika Menon, who is an Indian Merchant Navy Captain has created history. On Wednesday, Radhika became the first women ever to receive an IMO( International Maritime Organisation) award for conducting the rescue of seven fishermen from a sinking fishing boat with exceptional bravery.
She rescued seven fishermen from the fishing boat ‘Durgamma‘ in tumultuous Bay of Bengal waters last year. The boat’s engine was failed and it was drifting because of the loss of anchor in severe weather.
In her acceptance speech, Menon said that she is humbled by this great honor for her and her team. She also said that it is a seafarer’s duty to help souls in distress and she did her duty. It’s a noble profession that contributes massively to world trade, economy, and cultural integration.
Menon is the first ever woman to receive the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. It is an annual award that provide international recognition for those Navy officers who risk of losing their life to save others.
In June 2015, the seven men rescued by her were surviving on ice from the cold storage as the water and food were washed away. Menon was the in-charge of the ‘Sampurna Swarajya‘ vessel, which is operated by the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. The boat ‘Durgamma’ was spotted the boat 2.5 kilometers away, off the coast of Gopalpur, Orissa and Menon without any delay ordered a rescue operation.
In the winds of more than 60 knots, heavy rain and wave heights of more than 25 feet, the operation was conducted utilizing the pilot ladder, keeping life jackets and buoys on standby and all seven fishermen from 15 to 50 years old were rescued safely.
Her act of exceptional bravery proves that courage is not gender-bias and if you are a master of strong will, believe in humanity and ready to risk your own life in order to save others, you can make this place a better world.
We bow down to Radhika Menon and salute her spirit of humanity. We need more human like you!
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24 November 2016
Avni S. Singh