Sea Tow Captain Rescues Coast Guard
Dear Captain McLaughlin,
I'd like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for your efforts following the capsizing of Coast Guard Station Atlantic City's 232015, an accident that occurred on November5th,2003, in Absecon Inlet. On that date, the P/C Tide Runner had run aground. During CG 232015's efforts to keep the situation from worsening, they themselves capsized sending all three Coast Guard members into the water. With visibility less than 50 yards you were able to locate and maneuver close enough to CG 232015 to singe handedly remove all 3 persons in the water.
Realizing the severty of the situation, you alerted the Coast Guard Station Atlantic City, dispatched another one of your vessels to assist, and immediately proceeded to bring the 3 crewmembers back to Station Atlantic City. After dropping off the 3 Coast Guard members you collected your thoughts and returned to the scene to safely re-float and moor the P/C Tide Runner. You then, again, returned to the scene to assist your other vessel in re-righting CG232015 and towing it back to Station Atlantic City.
Your actions prevented this accident from turning into tragedy. Fortunately for these Coasties and their families, you were nearby and willingly upheld the tradition of mariners helping other mariners in distress. Thank you for your quick response and congratulations on a job well done!
Sincerely,
R.W. Durfey
Captain
U.S. Coast Guard
Commander, Group-Air Station Atlantic City