The actions of a local hero were honored by U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Long Island Sound during the East End Task Force meeting in Hampton Bays, New York, May 20.
Cmdr. Jonathan Theel, Chief of Responses for Sector Long Island Sound, presented the Meritorious Public Service Award to Capt. Sidney Smith III, of Greenport, New York, for his actions which resulted in the rescue of four crewmembers from a capsizing vessel on Oct. 22, 2014.
While fishing off the coast of Point Judith, Rhode Island, Capt. Smith and his crew, of the fishing vessel Merit, responded to a mayday call from the tugboat Karen Jean. Smith arrived on scene and positioned the Merit to allow three crewmembers of the Karen Jean aboard. With three of the four crewmembers aboard the Merit, Smith used a rescue line to help rescue the fourth crewmember from the water.
The Merit then transported the four survivors inbound to Point Judith, and began treating them for hypothermia.
“Captain Smith’s expertise, leadership and courageous actions saved the lives of the four crewmembers,” said Theel.