Maritime Celebration makes waves in Port Arthur

The Port of Port Arthur and the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center hosted the 5th annual Texas National Maritime Celebration on May 18 at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center. With nearly 300 attendees, the event honored the past and bright future of the maritime industry.

CEO/Port Director Larry Kelley navigated the ship as emcee, alongside Public Affairs Manager Sharita Gardner. The keynote speaker was Mayte Medina of the U.S. Coast Guard. Also, the heroic efforts of those who work along the Southeast Texas waterway did not go unnoticed during the evening gala. Sabine Pilot Boat Captains Dylan Simmons, Michael Deemy, David Seymour, Chad Rollins, and Ashton Jordan of U.S. Coast Guard Station Sabine were recognized for the rescue mission of four crew members from the Sea Cypress on March 31.

This was the largest event in Southeast Texas for the Sabine-Neches Waterway and the greater Texas Gulf Coast, organizers shared.

Notably, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber was recognized as the 2023 Maritime Person of the Year. Representing seven ports in Texas, the congressman oversees the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I).

All event proceeds benefit youth summer program Camp SeaPort and support the endeavors ofthe Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center for mariners.

Camp SeaPort scholarship recipients — Ariana Pompa, Jai’Lee Snodgrass and Andy Simpson — were announced by Commissioner Linda Spears at the celebration.