A gallant Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Congressman Howard Coble, 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 all be recognized by the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) at its upcoming annual reception and awards ceremony on Capitol Hill on the 9th of September.

Congressman Coble (R, NC), who is retiring this year, will be recognized for his long support to AFRAS and for lifesaving at sea.  The Fulcher family, which has its roots in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and began its lifesaving service in the 1800’s will also be recognized.

The Association will present its Amver award for a rescue by a large commercial vessel to the Starbuck Carriers line M/V “Maiden Voyage” for its recovery of the 26 crewmembers of the tanker Theresa Bitung which was destroyed by fire in the South China Sea.  For more information see www.AFRAS.org/amver.html

The AFRAS Vice Admiral Thomas R. Sargent Gold Medal will be awarded to Petty Officer Rachid Arnick from Kodiak, Alaska.  Arnick will be cited for extraordinary bravery while saving the lives of four fisherman during a raging Alaskan storm.  For a full account see: www.AFRAS.org/gold.html.

For photos from the award ceremony and additional information please contact Anne Skelton at Treasurer@AFRAS.org.

Contact:

Anne E. Skelton, Treasurer
41 East Argonne Drive
Kirkwood, MO  63122
Phone:  (314) 602-8622
Treasurer@AFRAS.org

CWO Mario Vittone, USCG (Ret.)
Public Relations Officer
Phone:  (757) 995-5973
Mario.Vittone@AFRAS.org

Logo courtesy Association for Rescue at Sea