Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilot Receives US Coast Guard High Honors

Feb 22, 2017

Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilot, Captain Lippold, received high honors from the United States Coast Guard during the Port Corpus Christi Commission February 2017 regular monthly meeting. Captain Lippold was awarded the Meritorious Public Service Award for his ‘quick and decisive actions’ in preventing a serious marine casualty after the ship he was piloting lost power January 5, 2017 on the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.

Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilot’s Captain Lippold receives top USCG honors

During a nighttime navigation of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel the nearly 39,000 ton vessel Captain Lippold was piloting suffered a critical malfunction when a fuel injector failed causing the vessel to lose power.

Using the vessel anchors, the channel current, and coordinating with a nearby pilot boat, the Captain was able to safely maneuver the massive vessel without further incident or damage to the vessel or nearby structures. Captain Lippold safely halted the ship near the Corpus Christi Ship Channel entrance, and prevented a potential disaster.

“Captain Bob Lippold exemplifies the caliber of harbor pilots who make up the Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots,” said presiding officer, Captain Jay Rivera.

The Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots, G and H Towing, and the Port Corpus Christi Harbormasters Office were lauded for their support during the event.

The Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots – Captain Lippold, G and H Towing, and Port Corpus Christi Harbormasters receive U.S. Coast Guard recognition.

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