Crowley mariners recognized with HERO awards by American Waterways Operators

Crowley mariners have been recognized by the American Waterways Operators (AWO), the leading U.S. association for tug and barge operators, with the American Waterways Honor & Excellence in Rescue Operations (HERO) Award for helping rescue people in distress on the water in 2024.

In April, mariners aboard the tugboat Guard worked quickly to rescue a man from the water who was knocked overboard from their sailboat in waters off Anacortes, Washington. In another case, the crew of the tug Apollo was assisting a ship in San Francisco Bay in June when they witnessed a passenger aboard a vessel fall overboard. The tug crew quickly communicated the incident with emergency responders and stayed on the scene until the person was safe.

"In the moment that our mariners respond to save a life, they don't stop to think about how heroic their actions will be. They immediately respond because protecting life is in their DNA. While I'm proud of their heroic actions, I'm most proud of their character which drives them to instinctively respond in an emergency," said James C. Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping. "We appreciate AWO for recognizing our mariners, and Crowley extends our congratulations and sincere gratitude to the crews of the tugs Guard and Apollo for their outstanding achievements."

AWO established the American Waterways HERO award in 2023 to recognize the heroism of people of the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry whose actions prevent harm and save lives on the water every day.

“AWO is proud to issue these well-deserved awards to the crews of the Apollo and the Guard. Their actions exemplify the dedication to safety and the everyday bravery of our industry’s men and women,” said Michael Breslin, AWO Director of Safety & Sustainability. “Our waterways are a safer place because of them.”