Alexandria Man Who Saved Family and Dog When Canoe Capsized is Recognized with Gold Medal
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Following a careful review, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) awarded volunteer Auxiliarist Peter Wang the Coast Guard Auxiliary Medal of Operational Merit for rescuing three people and their dog after their canoe capsized in the Potomac on October 22, 2017.
Wang, a member of Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08 (Mount Vernon), who was boating but not on duty at the time, spotted the two adults and a small boy calling for help as they floated just southwest of National Harbor.
His immediate actions to bring them and their pet aboard his boat and return them, with their partially submerged canoe under tow, to Belle Haven Marina prevented them from suffering hypothermia, being struck by other boats, or drowning.
The three were wearing life jackets, which significantly increased their chances of survival. Lieutenant David McConky, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station Washington, presented the Medal to Wang at Flotilla 25-08’s April 2019 meeting.
To learn more about the Auxiliary and inquire about volunteering contact Ted Caliga at [email protected], visit Flotilla 25-08 online and explore the Auxiliary’s Recruiting website.
