There has been a stunning sequel to a daring rescue at sea carried out by Sea Princess and witnessed by hundreds of Australian guests during last year’s world cruise.
The ship’s third officer Max Bingle was recently recognised with one of the world’s most prestigious maritime awards for the courageous rescue of three men in the Caribbean.
Third Officer Bingle aged just 24 became the youngest ever recipient of the Merchant Navy Medal. He commanded a fast rescue boat in heavy seas with two colleagues from the ship to save the three men from drowning in a display of seamanship described as ‘incredible bravery’.
Stuart Allison, Princess Cruises’ Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, said Max Bingle’s performance and that of his Sea Princess colleagues adhered to the highest level of maritime tradition by going to the rescue of fellow seafarers in peril.
“There were around 2000 Australian guests on board Sea Princess when this dramatic incident took place in the Caribbean,” Mr Allison said. “They would have been aware of the rescue at the time and will be pleased to know that Third Officer Bingle has been honoured in this way.”
Third Officer Bingle was typically modest in responding to the presentation of the Merchant Navy Medal saying that he had simply done what he was trained to do.
“Everybody on board acted in the highest maritime tradition by going to the aid of fellow sailors in peril on the sea,” he said. “Saving lives is what we are trained to do as seafarers, and I’m grateful for this recognition.”
The three men, relieved to be plucked from their sinking vessel, were taken aboard the fast rescue boat and delivered to Sea Princess where they received medical care.
