SIU members working aboard the tugboats Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea were involved in a water rescue with a happy ending on June 25 – the International Day of the Seafarer.
The two vessels, operated by Centerline Logistics (previously known as Harley Marine), noticed an increase in police activity near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. After speaking with the officers aboard a nearby NYPD vessel, they learned that a jet ski had overturned, and the boater was missing. The tug crews began searching the waters in their immediate area, and spotted a man between the two vessels.
According to Brian Moore, Centerline Logistics’ director of U.S. East Coast Operations, “The immediate and professional seamanship actions of the crew is what ultimately saved this man. The crews notified the NYPD via VHF radio, all the while keeping an eye on him. They threw down a life ring to grasp onto and rigged up a mooring line to create a loop around the victim. There was no more than 1-2 feet of space between the vessels for the victim to press up into the turbulent harbor. Within minutes of spotting him, they were hauling him in by hand, safely to the deck.”
SIU members then checked the man’s vital signs, and found him to be responsive but exhausted. They hailed the NYPD vessel, who assisted the man and delivered him to emergency services ashore.
“Without skipping a beat, the crew knew what they had to do and took immediate action to lend a hand and save a soul from New York Harbor,” said Moore. “I want to make sure everyone knows these names and when you see them, please tell them thank you!”
Seafarers involved in the rescue included John Huggins, Corey Harris and Ryan Bradley.
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