Community Corner
Rescuers of Bounty Crew Honored by Coast Guard
Coast Guard crews rescued 14 of the 16 crew members of the tall ship HMS Bounty after it sunk.
Members of the Coast Guard involved in the rescuing 14 crew members of the tall ship HMS Bounty during Hurricane Sandy were honored Wednesday.
According to a report on the Virginian-Pilot, “Rear Adm. Steven Ratti presented the Distinguished Flying Cross to rescue swimmers Petty Officer 2nd Class Randy Haba and Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Todd…The award is given to those who distinguish themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The act must also have been in the face of great danger and well above normal expectations.”
The Bounty had set sail from New London to Florida but it only made it as far as Cape Hatteras in South Carolina. The Bounty sunk on Oct. 29. The New London Patch reported at the time that crew member Claudene Christian, 42, was found but she died. Bounty Captain Robin Walbridge, 63, was never found and is presumed dead.
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Twenty-five people were honored overall, the remaining personnel were honored with commendation medals and air medals.
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