Press Releases

March 8, 2005, Edgewater, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Foundation presented the Bunzl Boating Safety Award to Mr. Charles (Charlie) Corder of Stuart, FL for his courageous and swift action, which ultimately led to the rescue of a fellow-boater in the wake of Hurricane Frances. Mr. Jim Ellis, President of BoatU.S. and Chair of the ABYC Board of Directors, and Rear Admiral James W. Underwood, Director of Operations Policy for the United States Coast Guard (USCG), presented the award on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 during the ABYC Annual Meeting. In addition to being presented with an engraved crystal plaque, a donation in the amount of $500.00 was made to the Chapman School of Seamanship in honor of Mr. Corder's heroic act.

On September 21, 2004, an older man became pinned between a dock piling and his boat in the waters of a canal in Stuart, FL in the wake of Hurricane Frances. Apparently, after attempting to board his boat with intentions of bailing it out after it had flooded to its gunnels, it rolled over, throwing him overboard and wedging him between the boat and the dock piling. After hearing cries for help, Mr. Corder, without concern for his personal safety, rushed over only to find the man unconscious with only his head out of the water. After instructing a neighbor to call 911, Mr. Corder quickly used his pocket knife to cut the line which was tied to the transom and not allowing the boat to move. This action ultimately saved the man's life. Incredibly, the rescued victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, was in his eighties.

Mr. Corder is the 15th recipient of the Bunzl Boating Safety Award, which is presented by the ABYC Foundation in recognition of singular acts of great personal sacrifice or heroism in the saving of life or vessel at sea, or for extraordinary contributions to the safety of the boating public. The award is named for Richard C. Bunzl in recognition of his contributions to the ABYC Foundation in support of boating safety. Richard's 30 years of volunteer service to the Coast Guard Auxiliary attests to his concern for and dedication to the safety of his fellow mariners.

Skip Burdon, President of ABYC and Secretary of the ABYC Foundation said, "This was a stunning act of courage and swift action; an act of extreme bravery, and a calm, cool reaction in the face of danger. It is the ABYC Foundation's distinct privilege to present Mr. Corder with this award, and to also make a donation in his honor to the Chapman School of Seamanship, an organization that he worked for as a director for many years."

The ABYC Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization that was established in 1988 to raise funds and provide support for special projects, education and training programs, scholarships and other initiatives being undertaken by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC). The Foundation's efforts on behalf of ABYC address marine excellence across the board, and are designed to promote and foster boating safety. For more information on the ABYC Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.abycinc.org.

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