Supporting people through the most challenging moments of their lives is at the heart of everything Irwin Mitchell LLP does. With decades of experience handling complex cross-border cases, from maritime disasters and aviation incidents to serious injuries abroad, the firm brings both technical expertise and deep compassion to its work.

Now, Irwin Mitchell has joined the IMRF community, strengthening the connection between legal advocacy and search and rescue (SAR) and becoming a proud sponsor of the 2025 IMRF International Search and Rescue Team of the Year Award.

The firm’s International Serious Injury team is led by Demetrius Danas, one of the UK’s most experienced cross-border injury lawyers. He oversees a specialist team that supports individuals and families affected by serious injuries abroad, as well as foreign residents injured within the UK, including those sustained at sea. Operating across England, Wales and Scotland, and working alongside local lawyers in more than 40 jurisdictions, the team handles some of the most complex cases imaginable, from catastrophic injuries and ship collisions to oil rig explosions and major international disasters. Its work often involves navigating multilingual claims, complex international conventions and complicated choice of law/ jurisdiction issues all with one goal: securing justice, accountability as well as significant financial support and access to rehabilitation for those affected.

Irwin Mitchell’s decision to join the IMRF was a natural one. “The IMRF’s mission resonates with us,” says Demetrius. “Our research into maritime safety, particularly in the fishing industry, revealed just how dangerous life at sea can be. It’s alarming that globally nearly three-quarters of those workers have never received formal workplace training, despite facing daily risks like drowning, hypothermia, and serious injury.”

By becoming a member, the firm hopes to contribute to the IMRF’s collaborative approach to improving rescue capabilities and safety standards, sharing expertise while learning from others in the global SAR community.

Irwin Mitchell’s decision to sponsor the Team Award at this year’s IMRF Awards stems from the firm’s deep respect for the lifesaving work SAR teams perform.

“We see first-hand the life-changing impact of trauma, and the incredible difference that skilled, timely intervention can make,” says Demetrius. “These teams operate in some of the toughest conditions imaginable, often with limited resources and rising demand. Yet they show up with courage, precision, and compassion.”

By sponsoring the award, Irwin Mitchell is helping to celebrate these unsung heroes and highlight the crucial role they play in protecting lives at sea.

Over the past three decades, the team has represented clients involved in some of the most significant maritime incidents in recent history, including the Costa Concordia disaster, the Zeebrugge ferry tragedy, the Al Dana dhow sinking in Bahrain, and the North Sea helicopter ditching. These cases often intersect with SAR operations and require a nuanced understanding of multiple jurisdictions, legal systems, and cultural contexts.

“Our expertise ensures that injured individuals and bereaved families aren’t left behind,” Demetrius explains. “We guide them through compensation claims, rehabilitation, and long-term support, often long after the initial rescue has taken place.”

Looking ahead, Irwin Mitchell hopes to play an even greater role in shaping safer systems by advocating for stronger legal frameworks, contributing evidence-based insight to policy discussions, and supporting international collaboration.

“By working alongside SAR organisations like the IMRF, we hope to improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals and promote justice across borders,” says Demetrius. “Rescue is only the beginning - what happens next is just as vital.”