The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(PORTLAND, Maine) — A boat crew from Coast Guard Station Boothbay Harbor received awards at the station Thursday for their response to a fire July 11, 2008, at the Washburn and Doughty Shipyard in East Boothbay, Maine.
Rear Adm. Dale G. Gabel, the commander of the First Coast Guard District, presented Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse D. Sullivan with the Coast Guard’s Achievement Medal. Gabel awarded letters of commendation to: Petty Officer 1st Class Justin B. Young, Petty Officers 3rd Class Andrew P. Sparber, Brandon S. Mellul, Joseph J. Lanigan, Seaman Crystal J. Peters and Seaman Brent W. Blackwood
“These awards are well-deserved,” said Capt. James B. McPherson, the commander of Sector Northern New England. “This Coast Guard boat crew demonstrated exceptional professionalism and bravery. Their efforts resulted in the safe evacuation of two shipyard workers and prevented the potential injury of numerous others.”
During the response the crew evacuated two shipyard workers from the shipyard, they helped relocate several vessels from nearby mooring fields, and enforced a 500 yard safety zone to prevent onlookers from getting too close to the fire.
