August 24, 2023 – Nantucket’s history is filled with stories of heroic lifesaving efforts made by everyday citizens and those who went above and beyond the call of duty. Honoring that tradition, Egan Maritime Institute and Nantucket Cottage Hospital recognize the following modern-day lifesavers at our annual Lifesavers Recognition Day.

The following will be awarded the Maurice E. Gibbs Commendation Award.

• Dr. Faith Frable
• David Tearse, Nantucket Lifeguard
• Austin Pronovost, Nantucket Lifeguard
• Anthony Bellabona, Nantucket Lifeguard
• Capt. Frank Hanlon
• FF David Angelastro
• FF Corey Ray
• FF Raymond McClure
• Wynter Larrabee
• Era Kever

Dr. Faith Frable will receive the Maurice E. Gibbs Commendation Award. Earlier this summer, Frable was driving home on Polpis Road with one of her children in the car when she encountered a man who fell off his bicycle, likely due to a medical event. She quickly started CPR and called 911. All involved agreed that this incident could have had a different outcome if it weren’t for Dr. Frable’s rapid response and heroic measures.

Nantucket Lifeguards: David Tearse, Austin Pronovost, and Anthony Bellabona, as well as Capt. Frank Hanlon, FF David Angelastro, FF Corey Ray, and FF Raymond McClure will all receive the Maurice E. Gibbs Commendation Award for rescuing a 1-year-old girl at Surfside Beach. A 1-year-old girl underwent anaphylactic shock due to an unknown cashew allergy on Thursday, August 3rd, while at Surfside Beach with her family. Once her mother noticed her face and lips were swollen, she went to the lifeguards for help. They immediately started to calmly walk her up to the parking lot and called an ambulance. “Because of the lifeguards’ quick action, as well as the help of the EMTs, our daughter was able to get the treatment she needed for this unfortunate reaction that could have been fatal. We are incredibly grateful to the lifeguards and EMTS for helping save our daughter; we are also so thankful for their calm presence and ability to help manage all our fears, including helping calm and reassure our two older children who were with us,” shares Erin Washburn.

The final Maurice E. Gibbs Commendation awards will be presented to Wynter Larrabee and Era Kever for their lifesaving actions on Monday, September 5th. Wynter, a fourteen-year-old surfer, was at Cisco Beach with his family when he noticed a man struggling in the water. He bravely entered the surf, and with the help of his father, Rich brought the unresponsive man to shore. Era Kever was also at Cisco, she rushed to the group and immediately started administering CPR and chest compressions. According to Harbor Master Shelia Lucey, “This was the largest and most on-water significant rescue of the season.”

Finally, we will formally recognize USCG Station Brant Point, Nantucket Harbormaster’s Office & Lifeguards, and the Nantucket Police Department for their valiant efforts and heroic teamwork while searching for a missing fisherman who went overboard south of Nantucket on Saturday, August 13th. Nantucket’s first responders worked well into the night and throughout the day on Sunday, August 14th, to locate a lost fisherman. While the active search was suspended after 24 hours, Nantucket’s crews went above and beyond the call of duty during Nantucket’s busiest weekend.

Learn more about Nantucket’s annual Lifesavers Recognition Day here.