Uploaded February 2020 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
The world watched as four crewmembers emerged from being trapped in the Merchant Vessel GOLDEN RAY after it ran aground in Brunswick, Georgia, and heeled over on its port side. What many do not know is that a brave U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Petty Officer Nathan Newberg, was lowered to that listing, burning vessel in the dark of night to save the vessel’s captain and pilot, who were trapped in the bridge. AST1 fashioned a rope out of a firehose to reach the two men. Using the firehose, he assisted the pilot out the port bridge wing to awaiting Coast Guard rescue boats, and then lowered the firehose to GOLDEN RAY’s captain, who was trapped 30 feet below the bridge access, and pulled him to safety. Video by PA2 Travis Magee
The world watched as four crewmembers emerged from being trapped in the Merchant Vessel GOLDEN RAY after it ran aground in Brunswick, Georgia, and heeled over on its port side. What many do not know is that a brave U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Petty Officer Nathan Newberg, was lowered to that listing, burning vessel in the dark of night to save the vessel’s captain and pilot, who were trapped in the bridge. AST1 fashioned a rope out of a firehose to reach the two men. Using the firehose, he assisted the pilot out the port bridge wing to awaiting Coast Guard rescue boats, and then lowered the firehose to GOLDEN RAY’s captain, who was trapped 30 feet below the bridge access, and pulled him to safety. Video by PA2 Travis Magee
