PCG Officer Who Saved 62 From Sinking Ship to Receive Award
Photo Credit: PCG Facebook Page
The Philippine Coast Guard is set to give the 2020 International Maritime Organization Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea to P/Ens. Ralph Ofalla Barajan for saving 62 people during the sinking of the MV Siargao Princess in Cebu last November 7, 2019.
The awarding will be held on October 14 during the PCG’s 119th founding anniversary celebration.
“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,” said PCG Commandant Admiral George V Ursabia Jr. in a release.
The PCG said the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea is an annual international award for individuals who perform acts of exceptional bravery, risk their own lives to ensure safety of lives at sea or prevent or mitigate marine environmental damage.
Barajan was nominated by Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio Manuel R. Lagdameo. The recipient of the award was decided by an IMO panel of judges chaired by Secretary General Kitack Lim.
The MV Siargao Princess left Catagbacan Port in Loon, Bohol on the morning of November 7, 2019. The ship was on its way to Poblacion in Sibonga, Cebu when it encountered heavy waves that flooded some of its sections. Barajan, though he was off-duty at the time, contacted nearby Coast Guard stations for help.
Barajan helped calm the passengers and prepare them for possible evacuation. He later determined that the ship could not be saved and urged the captain that they abandon ship. Barajan guided all passengers and crew as they did so and was the last to jump off. The MV Siargao Princess sank ten minutes later.
Barajan also had all the passengers and crew members cling together in groups while waiting for rescue. They were eventually picked up by the PCG’s BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406).
The awarding will be held on October 14 during the PCG’s 119th founding anniversary celebration.
“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,” said PCG Commandant Admiral George V Ursabia Jr. in a release.
The PCG said the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea is an annual international award for individuals who perform acts of exceptional bravery, risk their own lives to ensure safety of lives at sea or prevent or mitigate marine environmental damage.
Barajan was nominated by Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio Manuel R. Lagdameo. The recipient of the award was decided by an IMO panel of judges chaired by Secretary General Kitack Lim.
The MV Siargao Princess left Catagbacan Port in Loon, Bohol on the morning of November 7, 2019. The ship was on its way to Poblacion in Sibonga, Cebu when it encountered heavy waves that flooded some of its sections. Barajan, though he was off-duty at the time, contacted nearby Coast Guard stations for help.
Barajan helped calm the passengers and prepare them for possible evacuation. He later determined that the ship could not be saved and urged the captain that they abandon ship. Barajan guided all passengers and crew as they did so and was the last to jump off. The MV Siargao Princess sank ten minutes later.
Barajan also had all the passengers and crew members cling together in groups while waiting for rescue. They were eventually picked up by the PCG’s BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406).
