Adrian Willyson Brask to Receive Posthumous IMO Bravery Award for Attempt to Save Child

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM | August 20, 2026

IMO Honours Norwegian Rescue Diver

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will posthumously honour Adrian Willyson Brask, a Norwegian rescue diver and chief mate who lost his life while attempting to rescue a missing child from a capsized vessel in Norway.

Brask has been selected for the 2026 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, the organisation’s highest recognition for exceptional courage in maritime rescue operations.

Brask Died During Rescue Attempt

The incident took place on September 26, 2025, in the Nappstraumen area of Norway’s Lofoten archipelago.

A tourist vessel capsized in strong tidal currents, leaving several people in the water. Six survivors were rescued, but a young girl remained missing.

Brask, who was serving as chief mate and rescue diver aboard RS 125 Det Norske Veritas of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, entered the water to search for the child. He did not survive the rescue attempt.

International Recognition for Extraordinary Courage

Brask was nominated for the award by the Government of Norway and the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA).

The IMO reviewed more than 50 nominations before its Council endorsed the recommendation during its 137th session in London in July 2026.

The IMO said Brask demonstrated exceptional courage and accepted extraordinary personal risk while attempting to save a young life.

Award Ceremony Scheduled for December

The award will be presented posthumously at the IMO Awards Ceremony on December 14, 2026, in London.

The recognition has also been welcomed by Norwegian maritime authorities and the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, which described Brask as a person deeply committed to helping others.

A Lasting Tribute to Maritime Rescue Workers

Brask’s recognition highlights the extreme risks faced by maritime search-and-rescue teams.

Rescue personnel frequently operate in difficult conditions involving strong currents, cold water, poor visibility and unstable vessels. The IMO’s annual bravery award recognises individuals and teams who put their own lives at risk to save others at sea.

Bravery Remembered Beyond Norway

Although the rescue took place in Norwegian waters, the IMO award gives Brask’s actions international recognition.

His decision to enter dangerous waters while searching for a missing child has become a powerful example of the courage and selflessness expected from professional maritime rescuers.

The posthumous honour will formally recognise that sacrifice when the award is presented in London later this year.

Source: International Maritime Organization (IMO), Norwegian Government, Norwegian Maritime Authority.

Original Report: Supreme News Network (SSN)