C-PORT (Conference of Professional Operators for Response Towing) and AFRAS (Association For Rescue At Sea) celebrated and presented its distinguished lifesaving award at the 37th C-PORT Conference and Membership Meeting held November 6-8, 2023 at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, FL.  The award was announced on Tuesday during the C-PORT Awards Banquet Gala.  Presenting the award was AFRAS Vice President, Mr. Wayne Spivak, to Captain Carlos Galindo, Poseidon Marine Towing Corp, TowBoatU.S. Islamorada, and Captain Dan McClarren, JLK Marine, TowBoatU.S. Nanejomy and Cobb Island.

Tina Cardone, executive director of C-PORT commented, “Our association is thrilled to have two of its members receive this high honor.”  This award represents over a decade’s long relationship between C-PORT and AFRAS.  In 2010, AFRAS had expressed a desire to establish a program, in cooperation with C-PORT, to annually recognize a deserving member of C-PORT that has shown exceptional skill and determination to save lives during a rescue incident in the maritime environment.  The Award is to be conferred on an individual or group of individuals who perform exceptional acts in attempting to save life.  Instances where the rescuer places their own life at risk are given highest consideration.  

Phil LeBlanc, C-PORT chairman, remarked, “C-PORT congratulates Captain Carlos Galindo and Captain Dan McClarren for their heroic efforts in saving these lives. Assisting boaters is what we do and we, as an industry, are honored to have C-PORT members recognized with such a prestigious award.”

 Read the story here: Heroic Acts Save Lives