Fed: Tampa captain awarded recognition by rural Australians

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2001
Fed: Tampa captain awarded recognition by rural Australians

CANBERRA, Dec 6 AAP - The captain of the Norwegian freighter Tampa has been recognised
with a human rights award by a group of rural Australians concerned about refugee policy.

Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) said it had given Tampa captain Arne Rinnan the
award for his actions in plucking 433 mostly Middle Eastern asylum seekers from their
sinking vessel in August.

The ship subsequently became involved in an international crisis as the government
ordered elite SAS troops on board to prevent the asylum seekers entering Australia.

RAR spokeswoman Helen McCue said her group, formed at Bowral in the NSW southern highlands
in November, appreciated Captain Rinnan's actions in helping people in need.

"Captain Rinnan displayed courage, compassion and moral fortitude during the Tampa
crisis," she said.

The award will be presented on December 10 - International Human Rights Day - at the
Norwegian Embassy in Canberra and will be accepted on Captain Rinnan's behalf by Norwegian
ambassador Ove Thorsheim.

AAP rft/daw/mk/de

KEYWORD: BOAT AWARD

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