The Father Maurice LaLonde Spirit of the Seas Award

Captain William H. Boyce, 2022 Recipient

Captain William H. Boyce  is the 2022 Lalonde Spirit of the Seas Award winner. He was introduced by Captain Frank Zabrocky, the 2021 Lalonde Award winner. Captain Zabrocky noted that Captain Boyce demonstrated leadership and courage when he was in command of the MV Green Lake during  the rescue of seven seaman from the turbulent waters of the North Pacific. Captain Zabrocky said, “The Council of American Master Mariners recognizes and honors the humanitarianism, professionalism and seamanship of Captain Boyce’s accomplishments by presenting him the Lalonde Spirit of the Seas Award, our highest and most distinguished award.”

On December 31, 2018, Captain Boyce and the crew of the MV Green Lake went to the aid of the Sincerity Ace, which had caught fire in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Captain Boyce and his crew spent 18 hours battling high winds and rough seas searching for missing mariners and rescuing seven crew members who had abandoned the  burning Sincerity Ace.

On November 1, 2019, Maritime Administration Mark H. Buzby presented the Gallant Ship award to Green Lake, and honored Captain Boyce, his crew and Central Gulf Lines for their efforts. The award is given to any U.S. or foreign ship “participating in outstanding or gallant action in a marine disaster or other emergency to save life or property at sea.” The award has been given to only 41 ships since 1944,  and this was the first time the award had been presented in 25 years. All members of the crew received U.S. Merchant Marine Medals for Outstanding Achievement.

The Green Lake’s captain and crew received  more honors including gold medals from the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS), the Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards, and the 2022 Humanitarian Lighthouse Award from the Global Maritime Ministries.

During the rescue of  crew members from the Sincerity Ace, Captain Boyce demonstrated exceptional shiphandling skills. His leadership in dealing with the psychological needs of his crew and the sailors he rescued showed his true professionalism. In the aftermath of rescue, Captain Boyce became acutely aware that while his crew performed admirably, it was not without consequences. Many were traumatized and were in need of counseling. Captain Boyce believes that the public should be aware of the psychological cost of going to sea and that more needs to be done to insure the mental well-being of seafarers.

Captain William H. Boyce is a 1978 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. After graduation he began sailing with Sea-Land Service and in 1991 was selected as Master in the SS Sea-Land Expedition. In 2014, Captain Boyce was hired as Master with Central Gulf where he sailed continuously until he retired in 2020.

Captain Boyce and his wife, Wendy have a blended family of six children. One of his sons (Conner) graduated from Texas Maritime Academy.  Prior to his retirement, Conner joined Captain Boyce’s ship as Third Mate. They sailed together for several months — a unique and gratifying experience for both.