Wirral's independent local news website
A skipper from Liverpool who has put his life’s work into restoring a historic steamship is among those to be awarded Merchant Navy Medals in honour of their achievements today (Saturday 3 September 2022).
Merchant Navy Medals have been awarded since 2016 for significant contributions to the maritime industry. Each year, seafarers are nominated by their colleagues, friends and family for the medals – the highest medal of honour within the maritime sector.
This year 14 mariners have been awarded Merchant Navy Medals, including Captain Dan Cross from Liverpool.
Captain Dan Cross has received the prestigious Merchant Navy Medal for his efforts in restoring the iconic SS Daniel Adamson, which first set sail in 1903.
The ‘Danny’, as it is affectionately known, was constructed at what is now the Birkenhead shipyard in 1903 and initially named Ralph Brocklebank after a director of the London and North Western Railway.
Through Dan’s restoration efforts, he has supported young people from all backgrounds and abilities to learn, participate and eventually volunteer as part of the ship’s crew and go on to lead careers in engineering and across the maritime sector.
Captain Dan Cross said, “I am deeply honoured to be awarded this wonderful medal alongside some prestigious recipients over the years. I played a small part in saving and returning the Daniel Adamson back to operational condition for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.
“It is often said the ship runs on two things, steam and volunteers and this reflects what a magnificent team effort the project is.
“Having worked on harbour tugs for nearly thirty years, the work of the harbour tug is often overlooked. As a key part of ensuring goods keep flowing in and out of the ports and harbours in the UK it is great that services to harbour towage is recognised and the work we do can be remembered through vessels like the Daniel Adamson which also offers great training and education opportunities.”
Image: Dan Cross and the “Danny”
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