A CAPTAIN from Teignmouth has been praised for his part in the dramatic rescue of 100 people from a sinking vessel.

Richard Kirkby and his crew have been awarded the Merchant Navy Medal for their part in the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean last year. 

Richard was captain of a 100m luxury super yacht the Mayan Queen IV which was in the area off the coast of Greece at the time of the incident. 

Coming to the help of the Greek coastguard, the crew of the Mayan Queen rescued 100 survivors from the water after the trawler on which they were travelling sank. 

Richard and his crew members Coxswain Ben Owen Bramwell, Trystan Tanner and Bosun Ashley Oliver West have been awarded the medal for saving lives at sea, the latest of several awards for their heroic efforts.

Before becoming captain of a super yacht, Richard grew up in Teignmouth where as a boy he learned to sail with his father on the River Teign. 

On being awarded the Merchant Navy Medal, he said: ‘Now, after half a century at sea from cadet to Master Mariner, working and living in an industry I care passionately about, I am honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award.

‘As a member of the Lifeboat Institution, and as a crew, we have always collected as part of a crew-change for such an important cause. 

‘Each winter I take the collection back home to hand to the Institute and this year it will go to the Teignmouth Lifeboat Station.

‘The award belongs to every member of my crew who rescued 100 souls last year near Greece in horrific circumstances.

‘This medal serves as a reminder that as seafarers we may be called upon at any time to help others, and I accept it on behalf of all those who dedicate themselves to the safety of life at sea.’

Captain Kirkby answered the distress call when the fishing vessel sailing by the coast of Italy issued its mayday call in June 2023.

Theirs was the only vessel able to attend other than the Greek coastguard and they made the journey in the sea at night to rescue the 100.

Maritime Minister Mike Kane said: ‘It’s fantastic to see these remarkable sailors receive this very special Award – the highest in the industry.

‘Their dedication, bravery and fortitude is truly inspiring and shows the very best of UK maritime.

‘I take pride in celebrating these individuals, as well as the many seafarers who make such a significant contribution to our country, both here and abroad.’

Recipients of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service will receive their medal in November in a ceremony with HRH Princess Anne.

The incident occurred when the Italy-bound trawler carrying migrants sank in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Pylos. 

The boat named Adriana has set sail form Libya had a capacity of 400 people but was carrying an estimated 750 migrants. More than 500 were presumed dead.