Media Advisory: Chatham Coast Guard commemorates 60th anniversary of Cape Cod rescues (photos and audio available)

BOSTON — The public and media are invited to attend a ceremony commemorating the 60^th anniversary of the SS Fort Mercer and SS Pendleton rescues at Coast Guard Station in Chatham, Mass., Saturday.

On Feb. 18, 1952, during a severe "nor'easter" off the coast of Cape Cod, the tankers Fort Mercer and Pendleton broke in half. While Fort Mercer radioed for help, Pendleton was unable to make any distress call; the tanker was soon discovered on radar by Station Chatham during the search for Fort Mercer.

Despite unprecedented sea conditions and virtually impossible challenges, the crew of Station Chatham's motor lifeboat CG‐36500 rescued 32 crewmembers off Pendleton. Each crewmember of the CG-36500 was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal for their heroic actions. Another crew from Station Chatham, along with Coast Guard cutters Eastwind, Unimak, Yakutat, Acushnet, and McCulloch, as well as various aircraft, coordinated the rescue of 38 crew from the sinking Fort Mercer.

All are invited to attend the open house which will feature guest speakers, imagery, artifacts, memorial ceremonies, and the opportunity to meet those actually involved with the rescues.

This invitation is extended to the public so all are encouraged to invite family and friends to learn more about this proud chapter in Coast Guard history.

At 2 p.m. Coast Guard Station Chatham personnel and caretakers of the CG-36500 will lay a wreath on Chatham Bar.

At 4:30 p.m. a bell ringing ceremony will occur at the Chatham Fish Pier for the crew of the CG-36500.

Event: OPEN HOUSE for 60th anniversary of Pendleton/Fort Mercer Rescues
Date: Feb. 18, 2012
Time: Noon – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Coast Guard Station Chatham, 37 Main St., Chatham, MA 02633

RSVP: Credentialed media representatives should contact Coast Guard Public Affairs at 617-223-8515 to facilitate entry.