Horizon Lines crew recognized for Guam rescue

Horizon Lines crew recognized for Guam rescue North Carolina-based Jones Act carrier Horizon Lines has received the 2008 Mary Patten Valiant Ship Award from the Women’s Propeller Club of the United States.
   The club presented the award to the carrier on behalf of Capt. Tom McDorr, and the officers and crew of the Horizon Falcon for the July 2007 rescue of two seamen in the Pacific Ocean 300 nautical miles northwest of Guam.
   The Horizon Falcon rescued the sailors after the Panamanian-flagged Hai Tong No. 7 sank in typhoon-heavy seas.
   'Speaking on behalf of the officers and crew of the Horizon Falcon, we are greatly honored to be named the recipient of the 2008 Mary Patton Valiant Ship Award,' McDorr said. 'I am extremely proud of the fortitudinous acts of our officers and crew, under very difficult circumstances, to provide assistance to distressed seamen throughout that arduous day.'
   The Women's Propeller Club, which serves to support the U.S. Merchant Marine and to aid in river, inland waterway and highway improvements, presents the annual award to rescuing vessels or crewmen that have encountered peril above and beyond performing standard rescue procedures.