New York City Shines with Maritime Luminaries

The New York Salutes the Coast Guard dinner, held at Pier Sixty-One, Chelsea Piers in New York City, was attended by Coast Guard members, maritime and industry leaders, and supporters of the Coast Guard.

On June 6, 2024, mariners aboard the vessel Nimbus decided to abandon their carefully planned voyage. The mariners, who had been trying to row across the Atlantic on their specially designed craft, had suffered a series of serious setbacks. In building seas and worsening visibility, the crew made a desperate cell phone call for help. Receiving the call, Coast Guard search planners launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. The helicopter crew rushed to the scene 70 miles off Chatham, Massachusetts, in poor visibility. Once on scene a rescue swimmer from the helicopter deployed into the large seas and guided each of the mariners to the helicopter’s rescue basket to be hoisted to safety. All four were transferred to emergency medical personnel ashore.

The Foundation also honored Moran Holdings, Interlake Maritime Services, and Seastreak Fast Ferry. In addition to providing vital maritime services throughout the East Coast and Great Lakes, this family of companies has supported the Coast Guard Foundation’s work for many years. President and CEO of Moran Holdings Ted Tregurtha accepted the award on behalf of all the employees of Moran Holdings, Interlake Maritime Services, and Seastreak Fast Ferry. 

Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard Foundation, thanked the more than 400 people in attendance for their commitment to the Coast Guard Foundation and all who wear the Coast Guard uniform. 

"It is only because of support like this, and support from all of you, that we can continue our work in honoring heroes, empowering families, and supporting those who protect our nation."

Coast Guard members from around the region and the First Coast Guard District were thanked for their service to the maritime community. Rear Admiral Michael E. Platt, the 1st District Commander, was the keynote speaker. Captain Jonathan Andrechik, Captain of the Port of New York and Commander of Coast Guard Sector New York, also provided remarks to start the program.

The Coast Guard Foundation would like to thank reception sponsors McAllister Towing & Transportation and Statue City Cruises and major sponsors Enstructure, Interlake Maritime Services, Moran Holdings, and Seastreak for their generous support. The Foundation is also grateful to all who sponsored and attended the event, which helped raise $508,000 for programs that support Coast Guard members and families. 

Title Image: Rear Admiral Michael E. Platt, Commander of the 1st Coast Guard District, Lt. Dylan Block, Petty Officer 1st Class Derrian Duryea, Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Johnson, Susan Ludwig, Tom Allegretti and Lt. Alexander Hammac.