ALCOAST 273/23 - JUL 2023 CANCELLATION OF ALCOAST 272/23 - 2023 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO) HONOURS FOR EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA RECIPIENT

R 281950Z JUL 23 MID120000332839U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 273/23
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: CANCELLATION OF ALCOAST 272/23 - 2023 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME
ORGANIZATION (IMO) HONOURS FOR EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA RECIPIENT
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 281433Z JUL 23/ALCOAST 272/23
1. REF (A) is hereby cancelled and replaced with the message listed
below.
2. This message announces the recipient of the 2023 International
Maritime Organization (IMO) Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea.
3. Background.
    a. This annual award provides international recognition for
those who, at the risk of losing their own lives, perform acts of
exceptional bravery, display outstanding courage in attempt to
save lives at sea or in attempt to prevent or mitigate damage to
the marine environment. Such acts of bravery may also involve
extraordinary seamanship skills in very difficult conditions or
any other display of outstanding courage.
4. The 2023 IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea recipient
is AST2 Caleb Halle, CG AIRSTA Atlantic City, NJ, while serving as
a rescue swimmer aboard CG-6566.
    a. On 14 January 2023, the Legacy, a 95-foot tugboat, encountered
critical conditions off the coast of Ocean City, MD after snapped
towing lines fouled both main propulsion units. This event left the
vessel and its seven crew members adrift in violent seas. The
on-scene weather included 12-foot seas, 30 kt winds with gusts up to
45 kts, and 20-degree wind chill conditions. Due to this fierce
weather and the complexity of the circumstances, a Coast Guard
cutter was unable to get alongside the vessel, so the crew of the
CG-6566 of AIRSTA Atlantic City quickly launched.
    b. CG-6566 arrived on-scene and AST2 Halle deployed onto
the aggressively rolling deck of the disabled Legacy and immediately
identified the survivors onboard. AST2 Halle successfully rescued
the first three survivors but as conditions deteriorated, CG-6566
was faced with a dwindling fuel state and needed to depart the
scene. AST2 Halle heroically volunteered to remain onboard the
Legacy with the crew members and standby for the arrival of CG-6024
of AIRSTA Elizabeth City, NC.
    c. As CG-6024 approached the vessel, AST2 Halle encountered a
loss of communication with the on-scene helicopter, pending
darkness, and worsening weather conditions. Nevertheless, AST2
Halle's courage and determination led to successful retrieval of
all seven Legacy crew members from the perilous danger of the
disabled Legacy.
    d. AST2 Halle is commended for his dedication and bravery are
most worthy of this prestigious award, and in keeping with the
highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.
5. The IMO also recognizes the bravery of AST3 John Walton onboard
CG-6009, Aviation Training Centre Mobile with the Certificate of
Commendation. AST3 John Walton played a critical role in the rescue
of a person onboard the motor yacht Sandpiper, which was rapidly
taking on water in high seas.
6. The IMO further recognizes the bravery of the Damage Control
Division of the USCGC Midgett with a Letter of Commendation. DCC
Michael a. Filippone, DC1 Rilee E. Williams, DC2 William J.
Parker, and DC2 Kevin B. Smith are recognized for their
professionalism and diligence during the international rescue
operation involving a fire onboard the Peruvian naval vessel, BAP
Guise.
7. The announcement and presentation of the IMO Honors for
Exceptional Bravery at Sea is set to take place on the first day
of the 33rd Session of Assembly on 27 November 2023 at the
International Maritime Organization in London, England.
8. Mr. Jeffrey G. Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and
Standards (CG-5PS), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.