Norwegian Spirit captain, officers thank teen who helped with rescue

Norwegian Spirit’s Captain Evans Hoyt presents Alex Giffel with

the life ring that saved a fellow passenger’s life.

NEW ORLEANS – July 26, 2011 – Norwegian Cruise Line and the Port of New Orleans recognized the quick actions of 16-year-old Alex Giffel of Baton Rouge, LA and Norwegian Spirit’s rescue team this past Sunday in a ceremony on the ship in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Giffel was starting a cruise vacation with his family on Sunday, June 12, 2011, onboard Norwegian Spirit when he saw a fellow passenger go overboard into the Mississippi River.  Giffel reacted immediately by throwing a nearby life ring to the person while his 21-year-old cousin, Tyler Giffel, alerted the crew. Norwegian Spirit’s rescue team quickly dispatched a rescue boat into the river and rescued the passenger, bringing him back on board to safety.

In Sunday’s ceremony, Captain Evans Hoyt thanked Giffel and as a token of appreciation presented him with the same life ring that he threw to the fellow guest.  Both the line and the Port of New Orleans also gave him plaques of appreciation.

“Some of us train all our whole lives to respond in an emergency and others are thrust into the situation. In either case, it comes down to the individual having a moment to respond and make the right call,” said Captain Hoyt. “The Giffel family can be proud of the quick response by Alex and Tyler, just as the Spirit team is proud of all the responders onboard whose professionalism and quick response resulted in a life being saved.”

The ceremony, which was attended by the Giffel family, representatives from the Port of New Orleans, and the ship’s senior officers, also recognized Norwegian Spirit’s rescue team for their life-saving efforts. The group concluded the day with a lunch in Cagney’s Steakhouse.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

            Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea.  The Company has two 4,000-passenger vessels on order for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014.

            Norwegian’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010.  Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, appearing for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids.  Cirque Dreams® & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.

For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit www.ncl.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, watch us on YouTube, or contact us in the U.S. and Canada at 888- NCL-CRUISE (625-2784).

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