HE IS the Hampshire ferry worker who dived into freezing water to save a drowning man who was suffering from hypothermia.

Now Wightlink deck officer Steve Chamberlain is to receive the UK's top maritime honour from the Princess Royal at a ceremony in London later this month.

He is one of 19 people who will be presented with the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.

Other recipients will include Captain Belinda Bennett, of Southampton, who in 2016 became the first black female captain in the commercial cruise industry.

Originally from St Helena, she was appointed captain of Wind Star by her employers, Windstar Cruises.

Speaking at the time the company's chief executive, Hans Birkholz, said: "Belinda's leadership qualities and hard work have made her an asset to our team and invaluable to her colleagues and crew. She has earned her spot at the helm."

Michael Morley, of Lyndhurst, who founded the Union-Castle Pursers' Association, which stages annual reunions, will also be honoured at the ceremony.

The incident involving Mr Chamberlain happened at The Camber, Portsmouth, on February 3 at 11pm.

Crewmen aboard the St Clare, which was moored at her berth, saw a man struggling in the water and threw him a life ring.

When they realised he was unable to reach the flotation device, Mr Chamberlain jumped in and kept the man's head above water until colleagues arrived in a launch to help.

Speaking at the time he said: "I just acted instinctively when we saw that the man wasn’t able to get into the life ring.

"We carry out emergency drills all the time but it’s different when it’s happening for real. Getting the man to safety was teamwork and I’m grateful to my fellow crew members for their support.”

The casualty was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, but was discharged the next day.

Wightlink's chief executive Keith Greenfield said: “We're all tremendously proud of Steve and delighted that his heroism has been rewarded."

Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani praised all the award-winners.

She said: "Our merchant navy is crucial to keeping the UK thriving. These people are a credit not just to the maritime industry but to the wider nation. They have gone above and beyond their duty for the benefit of others.”

The medals will be presented at a ceremony at Trinity House in London on September 26.

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