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MUA Members awarded for helping fallen comrade

Published: 18 Dec 2017

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has presented awards to two MUA members who helped a fallen comrade last month at West Swanson dock in Melbourne.

ITF Inspector Matt Purcell congratulated Jason Ludlow and Ross Hubbard, who along with Indian seafarer Paul Vijay, helped save the life of MUA wharfie Darren Blackman, who fell unconscious into the water at West Swanson Dock.

The DP World wharfie fell around 17 metres, striking mooring lines on his descent and landing in the water unconscious while working on the Liberian-flagged FOC container ship Folegandros in mid November.

Darren Blackman made a surprise appearance at the award ceremony.
ITF Inspector Matt Purcell congratulated Jason Ludlow and Ross Hubbard, who along with Indian seafarer Paul Vijay, helped save the life of MUA wharfie Darren Blackman, who fell unconscious into the water at West Swanson Dock.

The DP World wharfie fell around 17 metres, striking mooring lines on his descent and landing in the water unconscious while working on the Liberian-flagged FOC container ship Folegandros in mid November.

National union of Seafarers India (NUSI) member Paul Vijay, the bosun on board the Folegandros, immediately came to the rescue, sprinting down the gangway and jumping fully-clothed into the water in between the ship and the wharf.

Meanwhile fellow DPWA Ludlow and Hubbard also assisted in the rescue, with support from Tallon Wilson and Anthony Attard.

The MUA raised thousands of dollars for Vijay, which the hero was initially reluctant to accept.

The ITF and MUA have now thanked others for their selfless act in helping a comrade.

 

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Jason Ludlow and Ross Hubbard were awarded for their bravery



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Authorised by P Crumlin, Maritime Union of Australia, Sydney