[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 312 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]
108th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 312
Commending the bravery of the initial responders in the Baltimore
Harbor water taxi accident of March 6, 2004.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 9, 2004
Ms. Mikulski (for herself and Mr. Sarbanes) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Commending the bravery of the initial responders in the Baltimore
Harbor water taxi accident of March 6, 2004.
Whereas on Saturday, March 6, 2004, a water taxi overturned in
Baltimore Harbor during a sudden and vicious storm;
Whereas 25 passengers were thrown into the Harbor, into frigid 43
degree water, with little chance of survival;
Whereas tragically, 1 person died and 3 people are presumed to be dead;
Whereas if not for the immediate action of the initial responders, more
lives would certainly have been lost;
Whereas the initial responders demonstrated extraordinary bravery in
their heroic response in rescuing the passengers;
Whereas after noticing the accident, the initial responders rushed to
the scene, piloting their vessel to the accident site and
immediately diving into the frigid waters in their street
clothes and boots to help those clinging for their lives;
Whereas the initial responders not only saved those clinging to the
boat for survival but used their exceptional skills and
ingenuity to elevate the capsized boat to rescue those
passengers trapped beneath;
Whereas the team of initial responders worked together to pull the
passengers out of the water, identify those who needed
immediate medical attention, turn the Fort McHenry Drill Hall
into a triage center to identify the victims who were most in
need, and provide all with dry clothing and warm blankets;
Whereas it was a team effort to rescue and save those stranded in the
freezing Chesapeake waters that involved rescuers in the water,
on the pier, and at Fort McHenry;
Whereas we commend the courage and resolution of Maryland's outstanding
initial responders whose quick reaction to this terrible
accident saved lives; and
Whereas we praise these initial responders--the Navy Reservists, Coast
Guard, Maritime Fire Department, Baltimore Fire Department,
Bowleys Quarters Search and Rescue Team, and the emergency
medical team--who worked together as a team to rescue people
and save lives: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) pays tribute to the victims of this terrible accident
and expresses its condolences to their families;
(2) commends the initial responders in the Baltimore water
taxi accident of March 6, 2004, for their bravery, quick
thinking, courage, and ingenuity in rescuing the passengers of
the water taxi that capsized after a sudden and vicious storm
swept over the Baltimore Harbor; and
(3) commends the team of initial responders for this
extraordinary demonstration of their ongoing commitment and
dedication to saving lives.
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