Adrian Willyson Brask was Chief Mate and diver aboard the rescue vessel RS 125 Det Norske Veritas of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (Redningsselskapet). He is being honoured for his actions during a major rescue operation in Nappstraumen, in the Lofoten archipelago, on 26 September 2025. A tourist vessel capsized in strong tidal currents. Six people were rescued, but a young girl remained missing when Brask entered the water to search for her. He lost his life during the rescue attempt.

- Brask showed exceptional courage and determination in an extremely challenging situation. He entered the water in an attempt to save a missing child, said Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.

Brask was nominated for the award by the Government of Norway and the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA). Following a review by an Assessment Panel and a Panel of Judges, the IMO Council, at its 137th session held in London from 6 to 10 July 2026, endorsed the recommendation to bestow the honour upon him. The award will be presented at the IMO Awards Ceremony scheduled for 14 December 2026.

- Through his actions, Adrian Willyson Brask reminded us of the demanding and high-risk nature of maritime search and rescue operations. I am grateful that he is now being recognized with IMO's highest honour for bravery at sea, and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones, said Næss.

- The recognition of Adrian Willyson Brask means a great deal to everyone who knew him. We are deeply moved. Adrian was a person with a big heart and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Being honoured in this way is both deeply meaningful and deeply painful at the same time. This award is a powerful reminder to all of us in the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue of the values Adrian represented and that we will continue to carry forward, said Janne Oddaker, Secretary General of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the regulation of international shipping. IMO works to promote safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans and addresses all aspects of international maritime transport.

Read more about the 2026 IMO Award here:  Posthumous Bravery Award for diver who gave his life trying to save a child