By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-963655.mp3
New Orleans, La. – Captain Alwin Landry stood before a massive American flag at the honor ceremony in the Belle Chase air station hangar. Coast Guard officials commended Landry and several of his crew members for quickly rescuing workers from the flaming wreck and burning oil floating amid the debris. Landry remembered those who didn't survive the April 20th disaster.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to those eleven families who lost loved ones that fateful night. Although saddened by the loss of 11 men, we must recognize the remarkable rescue of 115 other rig personnel. I would like to express my gratitude to the entire crew of the Damon Bankston, for it was their devotion to duty, character and skill that propelled them through the rescue response amazingly fast."
Landry also thanked the Coast Guard for its efforts. Several crewmembers who responded to the offshore explosion were also honored with citations for their services.
For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming.