«Lefort»: dive into history

The «Lefort» ship on a raid. The picture is provided by the Reconnaissance and diving club
The «Lefort» ship on a raid. The picture is provided by the Reconnaissance and diving club

The acceptance of the applications for the Award of the Russian Geographical Society of 2016 goes on. The deadline for applications from candidates ends the 30th of September.

The Award was established for the promotion of the activities of the Society and increasing interest in the projects in the field of national geography, ecology, preservation of natural, historical and cultural heritage of Russia, and support of the geographical science and education as well.

«A person of the year» was one of the main nominations for the Award of the Russian Geographical Society in 2014, when the Award was handed in for the first time. A person of the year was Konstantin Bogdanov – the chairman of reconnaissance and diving club, organizer and the head of the «Lefort» expedition, dedicated to the search for a ship of the Baltic Fleet, dead at the Outer islands of the Gulf of Finland in September, 1857. Crash of «Lefort» was one of the biggest disasters in the history of Russian Navy, the death toll was 826 people.

The 4th of May, 2013 sunken vessel was found by the expedition, headed by Konstantin Bogdanov. The research, including dozens of dives to a depth of 70 meters, made it possible to determine the causes of death of the ship, to recreate the course of events. There was created virtual museum with photo and video with a final resting place of the ship according to the results of the expedition, that gives an opportunity to millions of people to see the legend.

The Award is being handed in for the achievements and projects, having successfully been implemented to life. It is being held once in two years and has an international status. Residents or organizations of any country of the world may apply for the Award, provided that their projects are dedicated to Russia.

The applications of the Award of the Russian Geographical Society are being regarded in the following nominations:

1. Expeditions;

2. Scientific research;

3. Education and awareness;

4. Promotion of natural, historical and cultural heritage of Russia;

5. Public acceptance.

Description of the nominations, the timing, demands to the applications and other details set in the Concept of the Award.

The finalists of the Award are being determined by the jury, headed by the President of the Society Sergey Shoygu. The vice-presidents of the Russian Geographical Society Arthur Chilingarov and Nikolay Kasimov, and other famous scientists as well, public figures, representatives of the culture and science are the members of the jury as well.

The acceptance of applications is being held from the 1st of July to the 30th of September, 2016.

The awarding ceremony will be held at the end of the year. The time and date of the ceremony will be announced later.

The winners will receive cash prizes.

 For information call: 8 800 700 18 45 (Alena Zatonskih, Elena Pushkina).

 Do not be late to apply – and your name can be found in the list of laureates!