A Newlyn fisherman has received a reward for bravery from HRH The Princess Royal.
Shaun Edwards, skipper of the fishing vessel Nova Spero, and his crew battled for seven hours through gale force winds last October, to rescue 47 passengers and crew on a dismasted sailing ship drifting 100 miles south west of the Isles of Scilly.
In recognition, Edwards was presented with The Lady Swaythling Award for his skill and gallantry by HRH The Princess Royal.
The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society’s Skill and Gallantry Awards, made annually since 1851, recognise the UK’s unsung heroes who risk their lives in dangerous sea rescues or display outstanding seamanship skills.
Chief executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners, Commodore Malcolm Williams CBE RN said: “Shaun Edwards and his crew, Richard Nudd, David Fyfee and Lewis Diamond displayed superb seamanship and selfless bravery in treacherous conditions. The rescue demonstrated all that is best in the seafaring tradition.
“The Society’s annual October Skill and Gallantry Awards are an important event in the maritime calendar and a chance to honour all those unsung heroes who risk their lives everyday to keep seafarers and members of the public safe.
“Every year I am struck by the qualities of the men and women who are nominated and the courage they display in helping those in distress at sea.”
