New England’s Lifesaver: Coast Guard Legend Master Chief Jack Downey

A legendary Coast Guard hero, Jack Downey saved more than 700 lives in 5,000 daring New England rescues.

During a storied forty-two-year Coast Guard career, John ＂Jack＂ Downey, a Rhode Island native, would be credited with saving more than 700 mariners in distress during five thousand rescues in New England waters. Across thousands of missions, Downey and his crews rescued 11 passengers from the ferry Sea Comet and 108 elderly passengers from the Pilgrim Belle, and he participated in search-and-rescue efforts for the air crashes of JFK Jr. and EgyptAir 990.

A natural-born leader, Downey was named the Coast Guard’s first Ancient Keeper for his lifetime commitment to keeping people safe on the seas.

Authors Captain Russ Webster and Captain Michael Cicalese recount the extraordinary career of this lifesaver and how he honored the old ways of the sea while serving in three different government departments.

Captain W. Russell Webster retired from federal service in 2023 after serving forty-six years with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He received the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Performance in 2021. New England’s Lifesaver is his fifth nonfiction maritime history book.

Captain Michael A. Cicalese retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2010 after serving for thirty years. He received the Seven Seal Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for meritorious leadership in support of the men and women who serve America during his Coast Guard career.