The following is text of a press release issued Jan. 18 by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(JUNEAU, Alaska) — Captain Phil Taylor and the crew of the motor vessel Columbia are presented with the Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award in Juneau today for their role in assisting in the rescue of passengers aboard the cruise ship Empress of the North on May 14, 2007.
The Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award is the second highest award the Coast Guard can present for unusual courage in the advancement of Coast Guard missions (search & rescue).
PHOTOS AND VIDEO AVAILABLE: Click on links below
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=211642
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=211638
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=211592