Expert assistance

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To the Editor:

This is a copy of a letter I’ve sent to Chief Jason Olsen of the United States Coast Guard’s Menemsha Station.

I am writing to thank you for the expert assistance which you and crew rendered to the Chilmark Harbor Department in helping to move the power boat Reynard on the night of August 12, 2011.

I had been called about 2030, by the Communications Center, who reported that neighboring boaters were concerned about the smell of gasoline on board Reynard, a 35-foot powerboat then located in the harbor transient slips. When I arrived, it was evident that I needed to quickly move the boat out of the harbor and to a safe mooring, while making sure that the growing group of spectators was kept away from the dock. As this was well after the usual harbor personnel were off watch, several of your crew, BM3 Russell Welsh, SN Jason Antin, and FN Whilley Brown, coordinated by OOD BMI Dan Phillips, volunteered to assist.

They did this, after dark and on an unfamiliar vessel, in a professional, safe, and timely manner in spite of the danger of possible explosion.

I very much appreciate their assistance.

The presence of the Coast Guard detachment in Menemsha and their ability to render assistance is very reassuring to all mariners, including commercial fishermen, commercial traffic, and recreational boaters.

The professional abilities of Coast Guard personnel has been amply demonstrated numerous times on our waterways and out in Vineyard Sound. This is only the latest in many such incidents. Again, thanks to you and your crew.

Dennis Jason,

Harbormaster

Menemsha