Heroic Brit Died Gallantly, But Companies Not Responsible for Rescue, Coroner Rules

Coroner Jason Pegg has praised Philip Mawer, a 58-year-old British contractor, for his "gallant" actions during a terrorist siege in Palma, Mozambique, in March 2021. Mawer died after giving up his seat on a rescue helicopter and later refusing a spot in an armored vehicle, ultimately perishing when his own vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

Pegg ruled that while Mawer's decisions contributed to his death, there was insufficient evidence to hold corporations responsible for hindering the rescue efforts. Mawer, originally from Somerset, was working as a project manager for RA International, a company contracted to build accommodation for a large gas operation run by French multinational TotalEnergies.

The inquest heard that Mawer had been offered a helicopter evacuation the day after the Al-Shabaab-linked terrorists attacked the Amarula Hotel. He declined, insisting that women, children, and the sick be evacuated first. He later chose to travel in his own "soft-skin" vehicle with two passengers in a convoy, rather than take a seat in an armored vehicle, as darkness approached and helicopter flights were no longer possible.

TotalEnergies had faced accusations of hampering rescue efforts and refusing to provide fuel to a private firm, Dyck Advisory Group (DAG), which was contracted by the Mozambique government to aid in rescue operations. Barristers representing Mawer's family argued that TotalEnergies' subsidiary, TEPMA1, had assumed responsibility for the contractors' safety by implying the area was secure and then failed that responsibility by withholding fuel for rescue attempts.

However, Coroner Pegg stated he was not satisfied that the lack of fuel provided by any companies contributed to Mawer's death. He noted that the speed of the attack was unexpected and overwhelmed everyone, including Mawer, who had prior experience operating in Mozambique. Pegg described the situation within the hotel as a "highly stressful experience," where Mawer was aware of the "atrocities being committed" outside.

Pegg addressed Mawer's brothers, calling him a "true leader" who consistently put his team and others before himself, even when likely in fear. He highlighted Mawer's gallantry in prioritizing vulnerable individuals and expressed that the family could be rightfully proud of his actions. He concluded that Mawer was unlawfully killed, likely by a rocket-propelled grenade fired by an Al-Shabaab member.

Mawer's decision to leave by convoy on the evening of March 26, 2021, was made because those inside the compound felt increasingly exposed to the ongoing insurgent activity. Although a more protected vehicle was available, Mawer declined a seat and departed in his own vehicle with two passengers. The convoy was engaged by terrorists shortly after leaving the hotel, and Mawer sustained fatal injuries when his vehicle was struck.