Moment of national pride as our brave soldiers are honoured |10 April 2010

At the jetty there was anxiety which was soon replaced by tears of joy and relief as the fishermen rejoined their relatives and friends. But the atmosphere on Thursday was one of national pride as the President – who is the commander-in-chief of our armed forces – decorated the 18 crew of the Topaz as other soldiers got certificates for their role in the rescue mission.

Our photographer Patrick Joubert was at the ceremony and recorded the historic event on camera, as the soldiers became the very first to receive Medals of Honour for rescuing six Seychellois hostages as well as 21 Iranians and arresting the pirates who held the sailors captive.

Today we publish a selection of the pictures Mr Joubert took.