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The Lives They Saved

The Untold Story of Medics, Mariners and the Incredible Boatlift that Evacuated Nearly 300,000 People on 9/11

13 minL. Douglas Keeney

What's it about

Ever wondered what true courage looks like in the face of unimaginable chaos? Discover the untold story of 9/11's largest sea evacuation, where nearly 300,000 people were rescued from Manhattan by an impromptu flotilla of everyday heroes. This is history's greatest boatlift, and it happened right before our eyes. You'll hear firsthand accounts from the mariners, medics, and ferry captains who answered the Coast Guard's desperate call for "all available boats." Learn how ordinary citizens, with no formal training, organized a spontaneous maritime rescue, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and ingenuity in one of America's darkest hours.

Meet the author

L. Douglas Keeney is a military historian and founder of The B-24 Liberator Memorial Fund, dedicating his career to preserving the untold stories of American heroism. A former air traffic controller and pilot, Keeney's unique background in aviation and crisis management gave him a profound appreciation for the spontaneous, civilian-led boatlift on 9/11. His work uncovers the quiet courage of ordinary people in extraordinary moments, ensuring that the legacy of these unsung heroes is never forgotten.

The Lives They Saved book cover