Workers honored for rescues after rig blast

BELLE CHASSE, La. – Nearly one year after an explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig killed 11 workers and spawned a massive oil spill, the Coast Guard is honoring a supply vessel crew who helped rescue 115 survivors.

During a ceremony Friday at an air station in Belle Chasse, La., Coast Guard Vice Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara presented awards to nine crew members of the Damon B. Bankston. She also awared about two dozen helicopter pilots, rescue swimmers and other Coast Guard personnel who responded the April 20 disaster.

The awards include the Coast Guard's certificate of valor and distinguished public service award.