RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) -The crew of a state ferry has been recognized for their rescue that saved three lives earlier this year.

The Department of Transportation recognized the crew of the M/V Hatteras who saved the lives of two men and their dog January 12. The crew was tying up the ferry when they noticed two men hanging onto an overturned boat with their dog trapped underneath.

Ferry Captain Bill Davis sounded the alarm for the U.S Coast Guard and sent his crew to save the group, according to a news release.

The DOT identified the two men as Mike Herulan of Salisbury and Doug Illing of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and their dog Fin. The two men are hunters and they’re now in good health.

Davis and his crew were recognized for their life-saving effort. The following were in his crew:

• Crew members Gerald Huneycutt and David Butler, who launched the boat to save the three.
• Chief Engineer Robbie Meekins
• Oiler Amanda Przygodzinski
• Crew member Calob Fulford

“The quick actions of our crew likely saved all three lives,” said Ferry Division Interim Director Jed Dixon. “All our crews run rescue drills weekly, and on that day that training and knowledge was critical in a difficult situation.”