Coast Guard Recognizes Heroic Mariners

Capt. Joseph Keiffer Jr.(center) is awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award by Rear Adm. Robert F. Duncan, Eighth Coast Guard District commander, Wednesday May 24, 2006 as Junior Rodriguez, St. Bernard Parish president, looks on at left. Keiffer, master of the towing vessel Black Beard, was recognized for his heroic efforts performed immediately following Hurricane Katrina. Keiffer and his crew successfully rescued and transported more than 2,000 flood victims from the city of Chalmette to Algiers Point, La. Through his cooperation and assistance, the Coast Guard and city officials were able to seamlessly coordinate the safe transit of these hurricane survivors.