Coast guard captain on man who performed water rescue: 'The Coast Guard expresses its utmost gratitude for the actions of Mr. Moore'

A Bellaire man's quick-thinking actions late last year earned him recognition from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), according to a report from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU. 

The station reported that the USCG honored Robert C. Moore with its Certificate of Merit on Friday (April 8) for saving a motorist whose vehicle plunged into the Houston Ship Channel on Dec. 31, 2021.

Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston sector commander Capt. Jason E. Smith called Moore's actions "brave and selfless," KHOU reported. 

“The Coast Guard expresses its utmost gratitude for the actions of Mr. Moore and praises his attentiveness and swift response that day,” Smith said, according to the station.

Moore recalled he and his wife watching the man drive into the water at the Lynchburg Ferry landing in east Harris County.

KHOU reported that Moore, who is also a father of four, dove into the water and got the motorist to roll down the window down as the car continued to sink.

Moore then got a hold of the motorist and the pair swam back to shore, according to the station. 

A group of people helped the men out of the water.

Moore told KHOU that it's an honor to be recognized by the Coast Guard. 

"Receiving this award means there was success in what I needed to do," he said, per the station. "I'm relieved Mr. Simmons had the chance to come out of that dire situation, and that I was not harmed in the process, especially with my family there."

According to the report, the USCG presents the Certificate of Merit to people who perform notable services that help advance one or more of the Coast Guard's missions.