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Maritime and Coastguard Agency gov.uk

Maritime heroes honoured for inspiring the next generation of seafarers and supporting communities at sea

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The 2026 recipients of the Merchant Navy Medal represent the very best of the UK's maritime sector, demonstrating exceptional service, dedication and leadership.

  • 31-year-old Captain Joe Furness receives one of the highest maritime honours for encouraging millions of young people to pursue maritime careers, including through his popular social media channels
  • medal awarded to the first female captain in The Lundy Company’s history, Captain Martel Fursdon, for driving safer, more inclusive practices at sea and supporting more women to join the industry
  • Captain Brian Nibbs recognised for his exceptional work with maritime charities, including supporting the families of the L’Ecume II boating fatality and following a seafaring career spanning more than 5 decades

    • Eleven outstanding seafarers have today (3 September 2026) been recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty, receiving the prestigious Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.

    Merchant Navy Day celebrates the tireless contribution of the UK’s merchant seafarers and vital role they play in supporting global trade, tourism and national security. Operating commercial ships that transport passengers and goods around the world, merchant seafarers keep supply chains moving, drive economic growth and stand ready to support the nation in times of crisis and conflict.

    Captain Joe Furness, aged 31, from Oldham, has encouraged millions of young people to pursue maritime careers through his popular social media channel JoeTheSailor, bringing a career in maritime to new, younger audiences. Initially inspired to pursue a career at sea through film, Captain Joe has also directly mentored over 100 cadets and junior officers into the industry.

    His impact goes beyond education. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when 10 passengers on his ship developed the virus with limited medical support available, Captain Furness’s heroic care for those on board earned him an award from the Hong Kong Government.

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    Read the original at the source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/maritime-heroes-honoured-for-inspiring-the-next-generation-of-seafarers-and-supporting-communities-at-sea

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    Maritime and Coastguard Agency — imported from official source
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    https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency.atom ATOM
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    September 18, 2026 11:34
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    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/maritime-heroes-honoured-for-inspiring-the-next-gene...

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