ROCHESTER, NY- The Coast Guard will award the Captain David P. Dobbins Award to Mr. Steve Colasurdo for saving a fellow boater from drowning last summer. On July 17, 2007 Mr. Colasurdo saved Dr. William C. Rock from nearly drowning when he fell off his boat and could not get back aboard. The award will be presented at 9 am at Coast Guard Station Rochester by the Sector Buffalo Commander, Captain S.J. Ferguson.
At approximately 3 pm on July 17, 2007, Dr Rock was returning to his boat slip at his marina in Cape Vincent, NY. During the maneuver, he fell into the water while the motor of his boat was still running. The boat pulled Dr Rock, who was not wearing a life jacket at the time, away from the dock and into deep water. Yelling for help, he got the attention of Mr. Colasurdo, who was about to depart for a fishing trip with his son. Mr. Colasurdo went to the aid of Dr. Rock, shut off the motor of his boat and got him out of the water. Dr Rock suffered a mild heart attack as a result of his ordeal. He was taken to the local hospital and later fully recovered. Dr. Rock will attend the ceremony on Monday.
The Captain David P. Dobbins Award is presented in recognition of actions taken while conducting search and rescue missions on the Great Lakes. Captain Dobbins was appointed the first Superintendant of the US Lifesaving Service of the Great Lakes in 1876. He distingushed himself by performing and organizing numerous heroic rescues during his career. In memory of his heritage, initiative and dedication the award is presented to individuals who perform distingushed search and rescue acts on the Great Lakes.
The Coast Guard congratulates Mr. Colasurdo for his courageous action. Recreational boating safety and boater education is one of the primary missions of the Coast Guard. For more information on this or any other Coast Guard program contact your nearest Coast Guard Station.
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