Matson Crew Receives USCG Award

The Coast Guard presented a Meritorious Public Service award Monday at the Matson terminal to crewmembers from the Matson ship Manukai for the rescue of three men from a sailboat caught in Hurricane Julio 414 miles northeast of Oahu, Aug. 10, 2014.

Rear Adm. Cari Thomas, commander of the 14th Coast Guard District presented the award to the captain of the Manukai John Bloomingdale, 3rd Mate Justin Moore and 2nd Engineer Josef Eggert.

Ben Nealy, Lee Nealy and Mike Vanway were rescued after the 42-foot sailboat Walkabout was dismasted and flooded while enroute from Stockton, Calif., to Honolulu.

After hours of coordination between the sailing vessel and the Coast Guard, the container ship crew, including second mate Matthew Berntson, successfully shot a line to the sailboat and pulled the boat and crew alongside the Manukai. The passengers disembarked the sailboat and climbed a 30-foot ladder draped over the side of Manukai’s hull. On-scene conditions during the rescue were winds of 20 mph with 13-foot seas.

The Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service award is the second highest award presented by the Coast Guard to recognize recipients for unusual courage in advancing a Coast Guard mission, substantial contribution to the Coast Guard that produced tangible results and specific individual accomplishments that provide unique benefits to the public.