The following is a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW YORK) — Coast Guard Sector New York recognized New York Waterway ferry captain David Dort and crewmembers Gregorio Pages and Pietro Romano from vessel Gov. Thomas H. Kean for their performance in rescuing an individual from the Hudson River.
The men were presented the Good Samaritan Award by Capt. Jason Tama, deputy, Coast Guard Sector New York, on Thursday during Passenger Vessel Industry Day in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ferry vessel Gov. Thomas H. Kean was approaching the terminal for mooring when an individual jumped from the seawall into the water on the morning of Nov. 3.
Dort directed Pages and Romano to recover the individual via deployment of the ferry’s Jason’s cradle, a specialized ladder designed for water rescues. Upon retrieval, the individual refused to be rescued, and the crew had to subdue him until transfer to emergency medical services and the New York Police Department.
The Coast Guard Good Samaritan Award is granted to private individuals that made a significant effort that resulted in the completion of an endeavor that is significantly beneficial to one or more of the Coast Guard’s mission or statutory responsibilities as to require a tangible expression of appreciation.