The Salvation Army in Puerto Rico Assists Coast Guard with Ferry Rescue
Michael Orfitelli | michael_orfitelli@use.salvationarmy.org
Yesterday, two miles off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Coast Guard safely rescued more than five hundred passengers from a burning ferry with passengers from the Dominican Republic. The fire started in the ship’s engine room and quickly spread throughout the vessel, according to US Coast Guard spokesperson. First responders and a host of emergency management agencies were called to aid the passengers, who were traveling on a vacation cruise.
Responding quickly to the scene, The Salvation Army EDS Director Miguel Rivera answered the call to assist with officers and volunteers from the San Juan Corps to serve meals and hydration to the first responders and emergency management agencies working at the scene. The Corps was assisted by Major Diaz of the ARC Command in San Juan, as well. In all, 280 meals were served and 500 bottles of water were given out on a very hot day in the port of San Juan.
About The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.