The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(JUNEAU, Alaska) — The Coast Guard is scheduled to present Captain Thomas Moore and the crew of the motor vessel Taku with a Coast Guard Certificate of Merit at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal Friday at 1:15 p.m. for their role in rescuing two men off the fishing vessel Alaskan Pride in Chatham Strait.
Coast Guard Sector Juneau Command Center received a distress call from the 55-foot fishing vessel Alaskan Pride with two people aboard, reporting a vessel fire three miles south of Funter Bay in Chatham Strait Oct. 13 at 10:40 p.m.
Taku, a 352-foot Alaska Marine Highway System ferry, responded to a Coast Guard Urgent Marine Information Broadcast reporting the fire and diverted from their course to assist. Upon arrival they sighted the Alaskan Pride on fire and rescued Mike Worthington of Kake and Darren Manual of Spokane, Wash. from their life raft.
The Coast Guard Certificate of Merit is an award presented to an individual or group who displays significant initiative in advancing one or more of the Coast Guard’s missions.
In early July, Taku assisted in the quick resolution of a flare sighting near Woronofski Island by locating the source of the flare and providing on scene support to the Coast Guard.
In early July, Taku assisted in the quick resolution of a flare sighting near Woronofski Island by locating the source of the flare and providing on scene support to the Coast Guard.
The Taku’s actions as a good Samaritan and willingness to aid fellow mariners in need have greatly assisted the Coast Guard’s lifesaving mission throughout this past year.
“The Alaska Marine Highway System’s ferries go above and beyond to be mindful of mariners in need of assistance along their diverse routes,” said Cdr. Matt Jones, Sector Juneau Deputy Commander. “The Coast Guard appreciates their nautical professionalism and enthusiastic support.”
