Storm rescue earns honor for ship’s crew

The Coast Guard this week honored the captain and two crew members of the Matson container ship Manukai for rescuing three men aboard a 42-foot sailboat that was caught in Hurricane Julio in August.

Rear Adm. Cari Thomas, commander of the 14th Coast Guard District, presented the Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service medal on Monday to Manukai Capt. John Bloomingdale, 3rd Mate Justin Moore and 2nd Engineer Josef Eggert.

The Matson ship rescued Ben Nealy, Lee Nealy and Mike Vanway on Aug. 10 after the 42-foot sailboat Walkabout lost its mast and flooded during Hurricane Julio. The boat was about 414 miles northeast of Oahu while en route from Stockton, Calif., to Honolulu.

After hours of coordination between the sailing vessel and the Coast Guard, the container ship crew successfully shot a line to the sailboat and pulled the boat andcrew alongside the Manukai.

The passengers climbed a 30-foot ladder draped over the side of Manukai’s hull.

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 CoastGuard that produced tangible results, and specific individual accomplishments that provide unique benefits to the public.