Discover the Joseph-L-Block: Ratings & Maritime News

In a heartfelt ceremony held on March 12, 2016, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the crew of the 'Joseph L. Block' received the prestigious Capt. David P. Dobbins Award from the United States Coast Guard. This commendation was awarded to 19 dedicated crew members for their exceptional courage and quick thinking during a rescue mission on Lake Michigan in August 2015. The presentation, led by Capt. Amy Cocanour, commander of Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, celebrated the crew's heroic actions that took place on August 24, 2015. Responding bravely to an urgent situation, the 'Joseph L. Block' crew diverted from their route to rescue a stranded boater whose 28-foot vessel was sinking approximately 10 miles off Port Washington, Wisconsin. Once the crew reached the scene, they swiftly hoisted the lone, soaked boater from the icy waters of Lake Michigan and transported him safely aboard the vessel. After ensuring the survivor's well-being, the crew coordinated with members of the Coast Guard and the Ozaukee County Marine Division for further medical assistance. Following the award presentation, Capt. Cocanour introduced a representative from Senator Ron Johnson’s office, who shared a letter from the senator personally thanking the crew for their selfless actions during the high-stakes rescue operation. The Capt. David P. Dobbins Award is a significant recognition of the crew's valiant efforts in search and rescue operations across the Great Lakes, highlighting their commitment to maritime safety and community service. For additional details and photos from the event, visit: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2798534/

In a dramatic incident on the morning of August 24, 2015, the 'Joseph L. Block' came to the aid of a distressed boater whose 28-foot vessel was sinking 10 miles off Port Washington, Wisconsin. The Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee received a distress signal shortly before 8:30 a.m. reporting that a boat was taking on water east of the Port Washington pier heads. Responding swiftly, the Coast Guard deployed a 45-foot response boat from Station Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and a Dolphin helicopter from Air Facility Waukegan, Illinois. The 'Joseph L. Block' promptly altered its course to assist in the rescue efforts. Upon reaching the location, the crew spotted the boater in the water, identifiable by his life jacket as he frantically waved his arms for help. Quick-thinking crewmembers of the 'Joseph L. Block' tossed heaving lines to the distressed individual and successfully lifted him aboard their vessel. Following the rescue, the Coast Guard Station Sheboygan's boat and an Ozaukee County Marine unit arrived to transport the rescued boater to the Port Washington Municipal Marina for medical assessment. Meanwhile, the Ozaukee County Sheriff's crew worked to tow the sinking vessel, but the situation deteriorated when the flooding outpaced their dewatering pump. Recognizing the vessel's instability, Station Sheboygan's crew intervened by providing an additional pump. Unfortunately, the craft began to sink immediately after releasing the tow approximately eight nautical miles east of the Port Washington pier heads, descending into more than 350 feet of water. The crew managed to salvage several items that had floated from the vessel but reported no signs of pollution in the aftermath. This incident showcases the bravery and efficiency of the Coast Guard in ensuring the safety of those on the water.

In a swift response to a medical emergency, the US Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse City, Michigan, executed a successful medevac of a male crew member aboard the bulk carrier 'Joseph L. Block' on the evening of June 12, 2012. The operation unfolded around 9 p.m. CDT when watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee received a report concerning the crew member's complaints of acute lower abdominal pain. Following an extensive consultation, which included the 9th Coast Guard District, Sector Lake Michigan, and a flight surgeon from Air Station Traverse City, the decision was made to proceed with the medical evacuation. The rescue aircrew quickly launched an MH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter and rendezvoused with the vessel around 10 p.m. CDT near Manitou Pass. After successfully airlifting the patient from the 'Joseph L. Block', the helicopter crew transported him to Charlevoix Airfield, where emergency medical services were on standby. He was subsequently rushed to Charlevoix General Hospital for further treatment.