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Tragedy The Deepwater Horizon catastrophe resulted in a stream of footage of environmental damage and justified concerns about when the oil flow would be stopped. However, that day ended particularly tragically for 11 families Links of London Big Apple Charm lost loved ones in the explosion. But for a heroic and quick-thinking sea captain, the death toll might have been far, far higher. Last night, Captain Alwin Landry of the ship Damon Bankston was honoured by Lloyd's List - the world's flagship news, data and information analysis source for the global maritime industry - at its annual Lloyd's List Awards ceremony at London's Dorchester Hotel. More than 500 senior executives attended the gala dinner for a glittering celebration of the bestLinks of London and brightest talents in maritime shipping. The Damon Links of London Globe Charm was alongside the rig at the time of the explosion and subsequent inferno. The quick thinking and direct orders of her Master brought the ship to a safe distance off the rig where he continued to assist rescue operations, including deploying his fast rescue boat back to the rig. The training and trust of his crew plus the efforts of other ships in the vicinity ensured that all the rig's Links of London Disc charm, apart from those directly caught in the blast, were rescued and evacuated to safety. "The purpose of the Shipmaster of the Year Award is to recognise and value the ultimate responsibility of the Master for the safety of the ship, her crew and her cargo as well as the safety of life at sea generally," says Tom Leander, Editor of Lloyd's List.