Princess Cruises third officer Max Bingle has become the youngest recipient of the Merchant Navy Medal for his part in a dangerous rescue mission.
Bingle was on Thursday (12 November) honoured for his efforts to rescue three men, trapped on a sinking boat, while serving onboard Sea Princess in the Caribbean last July.
The 24-year-old answered a distress call, along with two others, and came to the men’s aid in the dead of night, saving the lives of three fellow mariners.
"Everybody onboard acted in the highest maritime tradition by going to the aid of fellow sailors in peril on the sea," said Bingle.
"Saving lives is what we are trained to do as seafarers, and I’m grateful for this recognition."