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She credits her crew, her managers, and even fellow Chica-
go boaters with the successful emergency response, noting 
that it’s because of all these groups that she possesses the 
skills that “carry me in this industry that I call home.” Dai-
gle continued, “Without my crewmates and their immedi-
ate and surgical precision that day, I would be haunted by a 
very, very different story.”
This trust and ability to work so smoothly in unison is even 
more important on a busy waterway like the Chicago River, 
which Daigle describes as “a dense and diverse ecosystem.” 
Captaining a vessel on this river means being acutely tuned 
into one’s surroundings, all that is happening on the water 
around you, and how you fit into the puzzle of the daily 
flow. The river is shared by other passenger vessels includ-
ing fellow water taxis, architectural boat tours, and sunset 
cruises. There are large yachts and electric boats. Recre-
ational vessels, kayaks, jet skis, and even hot tub boats share 
the river as well. 
The amount of maritime traffic on a busy summer week-
end can seem almost hard to imagine. “The chances of 
something happening are very high when you have that 
kind of activity on the water,” Daigle said, “I’ve seen a lot 
of close calls.”
Being prepared to calmly navigate such crowded waters 
takes time and practice, and it helps to have someone show 
“Without my crewmates 
and their immediate and 
surgical precision that day, 
I would be haunted by a 
very, very different story.”
Face tomorrow with confidence.
For nearly a century, we’ve been a trusted insurance,  
risk management and consulting partner for businesses, 
communities and people around the globe. Customizing 
programs and solutions tailored to your needs.
Damon L. Nasman
Senior Vice President
Marine Department, GGB, Gallagher
D: (206) 262-6375 | C: (206) 850-1525
E: damon_nasman@ajg.com
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