SEATTLE — On Tuesday, the King County Council honored the captain and crew of the water taxi that diverted a runaway barge from hitting a busy Seattle waterfront area earlier this month.
The King County Water Taxi captain, Dan Krehbiel, and two deckhands, Nick Williams and Cory Bantam were recognized for their service during the council meeting.
Krehbiel was the captain whose quick thinking averted significant damage. He used his vessel to push a large runaway barge north toward an isolated Pier 66 from slamming into waterfront monuments such as the Great Wheel and the Seattle Aquarium.
"You can definitely see the David and Goliath aspect of it. A small aluminum passenger going up against a giant steel barge and all those containers," said Captain Dan Krehbiel, when he spoke with KING just two days after the November 2nd incident.
At the council meeting, Krehbiel also recognized his crew for their support during the incident.
"Part of what goes into making that split-second decision, yeah we're going to do something about this, is know that your crew is not going to hurt themselves, they're going to make sure the passengers are safe and get the job done,” said Krehbiel. “So thank you guys, I appreciate both of you for that. Thank you."
The deckhands were essential in ensuring the safety of their passengers and countless others on Elliot Bay, as Bantam recounted the day it happened.
"Stay seated, get off the bow, just things to keep them safe and us safe,” he said, “Be aware of any other boats. They would just be hailing them on the radio to let them know hey this is kind of the situation going on if you had been aware."
As various community members continue to thank these humble heroes. Each said they were simply doing their job.
"I never really thought I would be in this kind of situation being called hero, I think it's cool,” said Bantam. “I'm humbled."
There were no injuries during the incident and the water taxi was not damaged. The loose barge only had minor damage, according to its owner.