Marad video honors Merchant Marine response to 9/11

A new video released by the U.S. Maritime Administration commemorates the heroism of merchant mariners who evacuated hundreds of thousands of people from Lower Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks,using ferries, tugs and other vessels.

“Rescue at Water’s Edge” includes interviews with vessel operators, emergency responders and passengers.

“The story of merchant mariners coming to the aid of those in need on September 11, 2001 is an inspiring one,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “On that terrible day, our nation’s seafarers, with courage and selflessness, transported hundreds of thousands of people out of harm’s way to safety.”

More than 300,000 people were evacuated by water from lower Manhattan after the terrorist attacks in the largest unplanned water evacuation in the history of the United States.

“The men and women of the New York and New Jersey merchant maritime community provided a beacon of light on one of the darkest days in our country’s history. They were among the heroes running toward danger and exemplify what it means to be a U.S. merchant mariner,” said U.S. Maritime Administrator David Matsuda.

September 9, 2011