Captain Danuta Kobylińska-Walas, Poland’s First Female Deep-Sea Master, Has Passed Away
Captain Danuta Kobylińska-Walas, a pioneer of Polish maritime history and the first woman in Poland to hold a Master Mariner’s license, has died. Born in 1931 in Kozietuły, she devoted her entire life to the sea. She earned her captain’s credentials in 1962 and commanded numerous vessels, including MS Bieszczady, MS Powstaniec Wielkopolski, and MS Jarosław.
In brief
Danuta Kobylińska-Walas, the first Polish woman to hold a master mariner's certificate, born in 1931 in Kozietuły, has died. Danuta Kobylińska-Walas obtained her master's certificate in 1962, commanding vessels including MS Bieszczady, MS Powstaniec Wielkopolski and MS Jarosław. In December 1970 MS Bieszczady under her command supported strikers at Stocznia Szczecińska, and in 1972 the captain saved MS Kopalnia Miechowice from sinking. After 40 years of service at sea Danuta Kobylińska-Walas was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.
In December 1970, while moored at the Szczecin Shipyard, her ship MS Bieszczady provided aid to striking workers. In 1972, she averted disaster by saving MS Kopalnia Miechowice, along with its crew and cargo, from sinking.
Over four decades at sea, Captain Kobylińska-Walas was known for her calm under pressure, leadership, and unwavering optimism. She was decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and other honors. A school in her hometown bears her name, and she is the subject of the biography First After God by Eugeniusz Daszkowski.
The editorial team of Daily Mare extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Captain Danuta Kobylińska-Walas.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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