A Coast Guard rescue swimmer, a congressman, a family that has served in lifesaving services for generations and a commercial cargo vessel that came to the rescue of a burning tanker will be recognized by the Association for Rescue at Sea on Sept. 9 at its annual reception and awards ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., who is retiring this year, will be recognized for longtime support of the organization and lifesaving at sea. The Fulcher family, which has its roots in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and began its lifesaving service in the 1800s, also will be recognized.
The association will present its Amver award for a rescue by a large commercial vessel to the Starbulk Carriers ship Maiden Voyage for its recovery of the 26 crewmembers of the tanker Theresa Bitung, which was destroyed by fire in the South China Sea.
The Afras Vice Admiral Thomas R. Sargent Gold Medal will be awarded to Coast Guard Petty Officer Rachid Arnick of Kodiak, Alaska. The rescue swimmer will be cited for showing extraordinary bravery while saving the lives of four fishermen during an Alaska storm.
For a full account, see www.afras.org/gold.html.
