At a reception Saturday aboard the Carnival Liberty in Miami, Captain Marco Nogara and the vessel’s crew were presented with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Meritorious Public Service Award by Rear Admiral Steve Branham for rescuing 44 Haitian migrants from a boat that was sinking off the coast of Cuba on Aug. 22.

            The award recognized the Carnival Liberty’s officers, staff and crew for not only rescuing the migrants but also for their humanitarian efforts in providing food, water and medical care to the individuals, who were adrift at sea for 15 days. 

            In addition to the search and rescue efforts, the Carnival Liberty conducted an assessment of the Haitian vessel that resulted in the seizure of more than 25 pounds of marijuana which was turned over to law enforcement officials