The International Maritime Organization has awarded the crew of the Stena Immaculate with their Exceptional Bravery commendation for heroic efforts after the tanker was broadsided while at anchor by a foreign-flagged containership last year.
On July 7, through its 2026 Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea program, the IMO recognized the crew with a Certificate of Commendation from a list of 50 worldwide submissions.
Stena Immaculate was operated by Crowley as part of the Tanker Security Program and was manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers. There was also an engineer from Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association onboard working under a pass-through agreement. At the time of the accident in the North Sea in March 2025, the tanker was carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military.
“Amid fire, smoke and escalating danger, the crew acted with professionalism, teamwork and determination to protect one another and help minimize further loss of the vessel and cargo. Guided by a safety-first mindset, they worked to protect lives while helping reduce environmental impacts under extremely challenging circumstances,” the IMO wrote.
All 23 crewmembers on board Stena Immaculate were able to escape the blaze unharmed and most of the fuel cargo was saved because of the crew’s fast actions.
The IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea are awarded annually to recognize individuals or groups who, at risk to their own lives, perform acts of exceptional bravery in attempting to save life at sea or to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment.