The crews of the two Norwegian rescue vessels participating in the rescue of refugees in the Mediterranean are receiving a Humanist Society humanist prize.
The rescue vessels Siem Pilot and Peter Henry von Koss have saved thousands of refugees and brought them safely to the harbor of Greece or Italy.
The citation emphasizes the demanding rescue situations and the physical and psychological strain on crews that often accompanies these voyages.
“The crews have had to deal with dead people and comfort and reassure their families. Quick decisions must be made, and they risk serious consequences if the decisions are wrong. The crews decide the personal fates of refugees and see the distress and suffering up close,” the citation said.
This is the first time since 2013 that the Humanist Award has been presented. The last laureate was biology professor Dag O. Hessen. Previous winners are, among others, Johan Galtung, Odd Grythe, Odd Børretzen and Eva Joly. The prize is NOK 100,000.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today