Local hero honored In the name of saving lives

Three Saipan children were spared the tragedy of early death because of one man whose heroism will now be forever sculpted on the lives he saved.

Commonwealth Ports Authority employee Miguel Aldan was bequeathed with warm accolades Friday for his part in a rescue mission that preserved the lives of three juveniles from drowning off the Sugar dock channel.

As a aircraft and passenger safety expert, Mr. Aldan has practically devoted his entire life to promoting safety.

Even as a young boy, his passion for safety causes was already evident when he joined one of the first batches of mercy divers at his town in San Antonio.

“I always caution myself when I go out into the water…checking for things afloat. That Sunday, I was out with my brother testing the boat, when I was at the channel I saw a bunch of kids on top of a floating bamboo,” he backtracked on that fateful Sunday afternoon last February 18.

When he saw police emergency vehicles in the vicinity, he immediately suspected that something was amiss.

“I saw floating objects that looked like living creatures and the further out I looked at the end of the pier, there was a boy who was already on the red buoy which is a very severe area, that channel has claimed a lot of lives.

“And I went right straight to the poor guy, to the poor baby there in the raft, he was almost gone and it hurts, it really hurts, and I feel sorry for the kids right now…I cannot see them,” said the teary-eyed Mr. Aldan, in an interview with reporters.

Elation enveloped the living hero when the children were finally secured from harm’s way.

“I was thankful that I was at the right time at the right place. I am happy that the boys are safe and thank God for that. I feel proud that those kids are alive now,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Safety wasted no time in recognizing Mr. Aldan for his courageous efforts.

Police Commissioner Charles W. Ingram Jr., in a letter of commendation expressed to the modern-day hero the department’s gratitude and admiration for his bravery.

“Our waters have claimed so many lives that are valuable to the hearts of the family and friends, that they have left behind. Your courage and heroism has undoubtedly spared the families of this young boys from the grief and pain of losing a loved one,” said Mr. Ingram.