Crew of Mardi Gras commended for fighting fire, safely removing workers from perilous situation on crane barge

The officers and crew of the tug Mardi Gras received a commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard for fighting a fire onboard a crane barge and seeing to the safety of the workers who were on the barge at the time. Attending the presentation at Crescent Towing headquarters were (left to right) LCDR Scott Arbeiter, Chief Engineer Tommy Thornhill, Captain Roy Helmstetter, Joe Perez and LCDR Jake Lobb.

The crew of the Crescent Towing tugboat ITV Mardi Gras was awarded a commendation in September by the U.S. Coast Guard for fighting a barge fire and helping to save the lives of three mariners along the Mississippi River in 2021.

Accepting the award on behalf of the crew in New Orleans at Crescent Towing headquarters were American Maritime Officers members Captain Roy Helmstetter and Chief Engineer Tommy Thornhill, as well as crew member Joe Perez, who were onboard the tug that day.

According to Coast Guard reports, the crane barge Attitude was traveling on the Mississippi River on the morning of September 21, 2021 when it caught fire around five nautical miles south of New Orleans after a generator malfunction. Hearing the emergency call over the radio, the crew of the Mardi Gras quickly responded and arrived on scene along with the New Orleans Harbor Police fireboat General Kelley.

Both crews worked to evacuate the three-man crew from the barge and control the spread of the fire, even as vessel traffic began to increase. The blaze was eventually extinguished in about two hours. The Mardi Gras also ensured nearby mariners and the Vessel Traffic Service were notified and up to date on the situation. Because of the quick action of the Mardi Gras, other vessels traveling in the area were able to continue doing business as normal, the Coast Guard reported.

"The judgment, professionalism and expert seamanship exhibited by the crew of the ITV Mardi Gras were instrumental in preventing a major marine casualty, and allowed commerce to continue to operate along the Mississippi River," the Coast Guard stated.

AMO represents the captains and engineers aboard the Mardi Gras. Unlicensed crew members working aboard the Mardi Gras during the firefighting operation were Perez and Ernie Hayes.