Coast Guard Station Montauk receives award for summer rescue

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Ali Blackburn | John Aldridge, a Montauk lobsterman, converses with members of the Coast Guard at the Montauk Fire Department, Friday evening. Station Montauk was presented with the Meritorious Team Commendation for their rescue this summer of Aldridge after he had fallen from his vessel and went missing for more than 12 hours. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ali Flockerzi)  

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES

12.13.2013

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ali Blackburn 

U.S. Coast Guard District 1 PADET New York

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/

• Date Taken: 12.13.2013
• Date Posted: 12.14.2013 18:00
• Story ID: 118234
• Location: NEW YORK, NY, US
• Hometown: MONTAUK, NY, US