Good Samaritans who responded to Spirit of Norfolk fire honored by Coast Guard

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — All of the good Samaritans who helped respond to the Spirit of Norfolk fire in June have now been honored by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard announced Friday in a press release that they presented the final public service awards this week.

15 commercial vessels in total went into action that day to assist first responders. More than 100 people were on board the iconic vessel on June 7, including two large groups of children on school field trips, when it caught fire.

Responding vessels and tugs also coordinated to move the Spirit and a 600-foot cargo vessel that collided with the Spirit to prevent further damage, the Coast Guard says.

“This community is truly fortunate for the professionalism and quick actions of these extraordinary people,” said Capt. Jennifer Stockwell, commander, Sector Virginia. “Each and every one played a valuable part in saving the lives of 108 people. These awards recognize and celebrate their selfless actions to save others.” 

The crews of the vessels below received awards, including two that received the Distinguished Public Service Award.

Distinguished Public Service Award:

• The crew of the Victory Rover
• The crew of the Rosemary Mcallister 

Meritorious Public Service Award:

• The crew of the Ohio River
• The crew of the Condor
• The crew of the Challenger
• The crew of the Z One
• The crew of the Fort Bragg
• Captain Roger Warren, Docking Pilot 

Certificate of Merit:

• The crew of the Karen Moran 
• The crew of the Wendy Moran
• The crew of the Patricia Moran
• The crew of the Surrie Moran
• The crew of the Marci Moran
• The crew of the Maxwell Paul Moran 
• The crew of the Clayton W. Moran 
• The crew of the Gm Mcallister 
• Captain Chadwick Jamison, Virginia Pilot

The Spirit was deemed a total loss and a replacement ship, the Spirit of Mount Vernon, was brought in this summer. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.