A captain hailed a hero after fighting off pirates is to be given a top naval honour next week.Capt Peter Stapleton, of South Shields, used chunks of wood to beat back Somali hijackers 200 miles from land in the Arabian Sea.
In recognition of his bravery, he will be given a Merchant Navy Medal at Trinity House in London on Monday.
The award recognises exceptional service and acts of courage afloat by British registered seafarers of all rank across the industry.
It was back in April that pirates opened fire on the 550ft cargo freighter Boularibank with rocket-propelled grenades and AK47 assault rifles. However, when the pirates tried to get on board Capt Stapleton and his colleagues fought the pirates off with logs of wood.
Speaking after the attack, the 56-year-old said: “All I was thinking was ‘don’t let them on, don’t let them on’. I knew that if they get on board, you are in deep trouble. We couldn’t let them on deck.
“Blocks of wood we have lashed to the sides of the boat were dropped down on to the pirates to repel them and cause an obstruction in the water for their outboard engines.”
Captain Matthew Easton, chairman of the Merchant Navy Medal, said: “Each year, the medal, which was established in 2005 during the bicentennial Trafalgar celebrations, grows in stature, attracting top calibre nominees.
“These people are very special, and it is vitally important to recognise their contribution, both as a source of inspiration for those working in the Merchant Navy, and as a beacon for those considering a career in the sector.”
The medal will be presented by Admiral Lord West of Spithead, the award’s patron.
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