Coast Guard officer to receive IMO award for saving passengers, crew of MV Siargao Princess

An officer of the Philippine Coast Guard is set to receive the distinguished International Maritime Organization (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for rescuing all the passengers and crew of the capsized MV Siargao Princess last year.

According to the PCG, Probationary Ensign (P/Ens) Ralph Ofalla Barajan rescued at least 60 individuals during a sea incident in the waters off Cebu on November 7, 2019.

The IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea is an annual international recognition for individuals who performed acts of exceptional bravery – risking their own lives to ensure safety of life at sea or to prevent or mitigate marine environmental damages, the PCG said.

PCG commandant Admiral George Ursabia lauded Barajan for his selfless act of ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew of the ill-fated vessel.

“P/Ens Barajan’s display of courage, determination, and presence of mind which led to the successful rescue of 62 victims, including himself, is indeed worthy of emulation and respect for him, his family, and for the PCG – as a perfect demonstration of the Coast Guard service,” Ursabia said.

Barajan will be commended during the 119th founding anniversary of the PCG on Wednesday, October 14.

The PCG said that Barajan was on-board MV Siargao Princess when he noticed the “worsening” condition of the boat due to the strong waves it had encountered. He was sleeping prior to the incident.

The vessel was approximately three to five nautical miles to Sibonga, Cebu when it happened.

Barajan notified the Coast Guard Sub-Station Bato and Coast Guard Station Southern Cebu regarding their situation and requested for assistance.

Barajan also informed the ship captain and he took the initiative to gather the ship passengers and crew, who were at that time panicking.

After securing life jackets for the children, Barajan accounted everyone and initiated the group to jump off the troubled vessel.—AOL, GMA News