Officers and crew of two US Nautilus Federation affiliates have been recognised for heroism after safely evacuating a Staten Island ferry during an engine room fire.
Five people sustained minor injuries and 868 were evacuated from the vessel Sandy Ground after the fire started during the evening commute from Manhattan to Staten Island.
The blaze was contained by the crew by the time first responders arrived. They sealed off access to the engine room and injected CO2 to extinguish the flames.
Fire Department of New York deputy assistant chief Frank Leeb said: 'This is a long time of preparation and training. The crew acted as the crew was supposed to act.'
At a ceremony in April the entire crew was presented with proclamations from the New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, and New York City Council.
The deckhands and marine oilers aboard Staten Island ferries are members of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P). The officers are members of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association.
MM&P Atlantic Maritime Group vice president Mike Riordan said: 'A fire that could have had a tragic outcome was safely extinguished in a shining example of what this crew is capable of.'
Tags
More articles
Nautilus shortlisted for 'Best Podcast' at 2023 Memcom Awards
Nautilus International’s podcast 'Off Course: a sideways look at life at sea' has been shortlisted for 'Best Podcast' at the Memcom UK Awards 2023.
Nautilus members: join us at the Union's 2023 General Meeting on the maritime Just Transition
Nautilus members invited to join in the 2023 Nautilus International General Meeting, taking place from 23 to 25 October 2023 in Liverpool and online.
Seafarer keyworkers: have your say on Covid-19 impact
Seafarers are being asked to contribute to an international study on the impact of the Covid-19 in recognition of their essential role in delivering goods globally during the pandemic.