According to FAO data, more than 32,000 fishers lose their lives every year

Seafarer Lee Tae-Young of the Republic of Korea formally received the 2025 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea from Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, in an emotional meeting at IMO Headquarters in London. Mr. Lee was recognized for saving 12 fellow crew members from the fishing vessel Geum Seong No. 135 when it sank off the coast of Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea in November 2024. 

The importance of safety of fishing vessels

He had been unable to attend the official awards ceremony held in December 2025 due to health issues. Presenting the medal, Mr. Dominguez thanked him for his courage and leadership  

“We owe you a great deal of gratitude,” said Secretary-General Dominguez. “What you did highlighted the importance of safety of fishing vessels as well as being trained in these situations.”

Twelve crew members of a sinking fishing vessel were rescued

Mr. Lee was notably recognized for saving twelve of his fellow crew members from the fishing vessel Geum Seong No. 135 when it sank off the coast of Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea in November of 2024  Mr. Lee had no prior search and rescue training when the Geum Seong No. 135 suddenly capsized in the early hours of 8 November. But facing strong currents and extremely harsh conditions, he put his own life at immense risk to help his crewmates board rescue boats, refusing to leave the vessel until others were safe. Of the 27 crew on board, 12 were rescued by Mr. Lee.  

This award is for all the fishers,

“This award is for all the fishers, on the water and under the water. I will share it with everyone,” he said, holding back tears. Mr. Lee is determined to use his voice to help improve the safety of fellow fishers. More than 32,000 fishers lose their lives every year, according to FAO data. His visit on 25 February came just a day after the 2012 Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety finally met the requirements to enter into force in February 2027, closing a longstanding gap in global maritime safety regulations. 

The agreement is mandatory for safety.

The Agreement sets mandatory safety standards for fishing vessels measuring 24 metres and above (including vessels such as the Geum Seung No. 135), aimed at reducing casualties at sea, improving working conditions for fishers, and enhancing marine environment protection.  

 Participants in the Award Ceremony

His visit on 25 February came just a day after the 2012 Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety finally met the requirements to enter into force in February 2027, closing a longstanding gap in global maritime safety regulations. Representatives from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the RoK Permanent Mission to IMO, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), the Federation of Korean Seafarers Union (FKSU), the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT) and Fish Platform also attended the meeting.  

Related : IMO : Global maritime community celebrates “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”

Source : Press - Release

View photos from the visit

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