Tampa captain knighted

Date: 15 February 2002

The master of the Tampa Arne Rinnan knighted and made Captain of the Year

Tampa captain Arne Rinnan may be a demon in the eyes of Australian PM John Howard and Immigration Minister Phillip Ruddock, but he is a hero in Norway and internationally

While the Australian Government spied on his phone transmissions, sent in the army and ordered him out of Australian waters, the King of Norway has knighted him for his brave and humanitarian role as master of the MV Tampa during the refugee crisis.

WWL News reports the award is one of the most prestigious decorations available in Norway.

On October 17 Captain Rinnan was also awarded the title Shipmaster of the Year by Lloyds List and the Nautical Institute. This is in recognition for his handling of refugee crisis, and his rescue of 438 men, women and children from a sinking vessel off the Australian coast.

He and his crew are commended for showing both determination and wisdom to the shipwrecked and for preserving basic humanitarian values both during the rescue operation and when caring for the refugees under very difficult circumstances outside Christmas Island.

"It is our duty to rescue people in peril at sea," he said. "This must always be more important than other considerations.

Lloyds List also awarded the captain Newsmaker of the Year in Australia for his professional handling of the Tampa crisis.

Meanwhile the Norwegian Shipowners' Association is lobbying for international agreements ensuring that the Tampa debacle is never repeated.

Association General Director Rolf Sacher says "to us it is self evident that people in distress are rescued regardless of who they are and where they come from", the Scandinvian Shipping Gazette reports.

For further information

Contact : Maritime Union of Australia
Phone : +61 2 9267 9134
Fax : +61 2 9261 3481
Email : zoe@mua.org.au
WWW : http://mua.org.au/

For further information

Contact:	Zoe Reynolds
Union:	Maritime Union of Australia
Phone:	0417 229873
WWW:	http://www.mua.org.au/

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