On Thursday, April 4, the M/V Kentucky was transiting the Ohio River near the Greenup Lock and Dam in Lloyd, Kentucky, when Captain Greg Seagraves noticed what appeared to be vehicle tires protruding from the water near the Kentucky shoreline. Captain Seagraves immediately contacted local authorities to report the issue.

Upon arrival, first responders from the Lloyd, Kentucky Fire Department discovered an overturned submerged vehicle in the river.  Inside, a female driver had been trapped for several hours.  After successful extraction, the individual was life-flighted to a trauma center and treated for severe hypothermia. Fortunately, after several days of being hospitalized, the crash victim recovered fully.

On Monday, July 15, the United States Coast Guard recognized Captain Seagraves for his lifesaving efforts by awarding him a Certificate of Merit, an award that recognizes significant endeavors such as displaying initiative in advancing one or more of the Coast Guard’s missions. Captain Amy Beach, Sector Ohio Valley commander, and Paul Mangini, Huntington marine safety unit, honored Captain Seagraves during a ceremony at the United States Coast Guard Office in Barboursville, West Virginia. Captain Amy Beach stated, “The United States Coast Guard heartily commends your dedicated actions to the U.S. Coast Guard and the commercial maritime community.”

“Captain Seagraves exemplifies the qualities and traits of the (90) professional mariners who operate and manage MPLX vessels each and every day,” said David Earl, operations manager for MPLX Marine.  “Greg’s vessel is consistently one of the top-performing assets of the MPLX vessel fleet, and that speaks to Captain Seagrave’s leadership and commitment.”