Presented by:

CWO Douglas Leavell at
Spring Conference 2008

Date presented:

March 15, 2008

Citation (in part)

"While on patrol on the Upper Mississippi River at mile marker 515.5, Auxiliarist BERNSTEIN received a Mayday call from distressed vessel Molly B III.  He immediately contacted Sector Upper Mississippi River Command Center and relayed Molly B III’s communication that she had lost propulsion and had anchored in the center of the channel with the Tug Mary Roberts bearing down on her and that she was in imminent danger of collision.  Sector Upper Mississippi River directed Auxiliarist BERNSTEIN to respond to the scene and take action as necessary to remove Molly B III from danger.  Auxiliarist BERNSTEIN contacted the Captain of Mary Roberts and made him aware of Molly B III’s predicament.  He directed that all vessels involved switch to channel 83 in order to coordinate activities during this dangerous event.  When the Captain of the Tug Mary Roberts stated he was unsure if he could avoid collision by maneuver, Auxiliarist BERNSTEIN decided to conduct an emergency tow of Molly B III.  He ordered the operator of Molly B III to have everyone aboard don their lifejackets, to place any passengers in seats away from the sides of the Molly B III, to put out all fenders, to pull up the anchor, and prepare for an emergency tow.  Displaying exceptional seamanship, he maneuvered his vessel between Tug Mary Roberts and vessel Molly B III taking her in tow and removing her from her dangerous position.  He towed vessel Molly B III to the left descending bank of the Mississippi River and placed the vessel in a safe position.  The quick thinking and superb seamanship of Auxiliarist BERNSTEIN prevented a collision between tug Mary Roberts and vessel Molly B III, thus saving the lives of the two people aboard Molly B III."