Marad Honors Merchant Mariners Role in 9/11 Response [VIDEO]

The Maritime Administration has released a new video in honor of the merchant mariners that responded to the September 11th attacks, evacuating hundreds of thousands from lower Manhattan and bringing valuable supplies and resources to first responders at the World Trade Center.

“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.”

The Maritime Administration says that more than 300,000 people were evacuated by water from lower Manhattan after the terrorist attacks in what was 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.

Via Maritime Administration

Subscribe for Daily Maritime Insights

Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update

— trusted by our 109,149 members