Coast Guard Station Montauk receives award for summer rescue

U.S. Coast Guard District 1 PADET New York
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ali Blackburn

Date: 12.13.2013
Posted: 12.14.2013 17:52
News ID: 118234
Coast Guard Station Montauk receives award for summer rescue

NEW YORK - Capt. Edward J. Cubanski, commander, Sector Long Island Sound, presented members of Coast Guard Station Montauk with the Meritorious Team Commendation, Friday, in Montauk, N.Y., for their rescue this summer of John Aldridge, a Montauk lobsterman.

A search was launched for Aldridge the morning of July 24 when he fell from his vessel and was reported missing by the crew members of the lobster boat Anna Mary. Aldridge clung to buoys and used his rubber boots as makeshift floatation devices, surviving in the water for more than 12 hours while the Coast Guard and community members searched for him.

“It is important that we recognize the numerous people involved in making this a successful rescue mission,” said Cubanski. “We owe thanks to the community members and port partners for their contributions in finding and bringing John home safely.”

The Coast Guard developed a massive search area of more than 1,100 square miles in size, deployed numerous assets in the search, and coordinated with local port partners and good Samaritans for a safe and effective organized system to search for Aldridge.

“The devotion to duty and the outstanding performance demonstrated by Station Montauk are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard,” said Cubanski.

To view footage from the search, please visit: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1863590/