Panos G. Moraitis, founder of Emergency Rescue Centre International (ERCI), was honoured for the Search and Rescue (SAR) operations at the Aegean sea, that have assisted more than 45,000 refugees and migrants reach safety to date at the 2016 Amver Awards Ceremony by the International Propeller Club of the United States-Port of Piraeus.
On Monday 31st of October 2016 the Propeller Club of the United States – Port of Piraeus held its Annual Amver Awards Ceremony. During the ceremony attended by more than 1000 people of the Greek Shipping Community, the Board of Governors of the International Propeller Club of United States of America – Port of Piraeus, once again honoured Masters, crew vessels’ and shipping companies, participating in rescue operations for the period 2015-2016 for the “Extraordinary and Successful involvement of Greek Shipping in Saving Life at Sea”. In the Ceremony Panos G. Moraitis was presented with the Special Contribution Award for his ERCI initiative.
Panos is the CEO of Aspida, a leading provider of maritime safety and security. Since 2015, he has devoted his expertise of protecting lives at sea,to assist those attempting the perilous crossing to the Greek Islands and ensuring safe passage for thousands of people fleeing war. This is how ERCI was formed, a non-profit organisation providing humanitarian aid in times of crisis. A year later, the operation in Lesvos providing SAR services has assisted more than 45,000 refugees and migrants reach safety. ERCI has also developed an education component, ERCIedu: a non-traditional non-formal educational project that aims to support youth in refugee camps. ERCI is also now in the process of developing its maiden medical department.
“This award is a result of a team effort and I accept it on behalf of my team, the volunteers and the people who supported our operation throughout the last year. It Is a recognition of countless sleepless nights working tirelessly and selflessly to ensure no lives are lost in Greek waters. The Award is not only an honour but also an obligation to continue our effort against people drowning in the Aegean Sea and I invite everyone to join forces with us for this cause”, said Panos G. Moraitis, founder of ERCI. “I hope the Amver Awards continue to do its impactful work and inspire more individuals, like it inspired me, to take action and bring change”.
