Blackwater Pyrates welcome new captain

New Blackwater Pyrates Capt. Carl "Boot" Whitson offers an appreciation plaque to former Capt. Ralph "Dragon" Palmer. (Special to the Press Gazette)

MILTON — The Blackwater Pyrates’ Ralph "Dragon" Palmer has surrendered the helm of the Blackwater Pyrates Crew to Capt. Carl "Boot" Whitson. Whitson is the sixth captain to take command of the crew.

The Blackwater Pyrates is a community service-based organization serving the Bagdad and Milton areas. Members have a three-pronged mission: river cleanup, boater safety and maritime historical preservation.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Blackwater Pyrates welcome new captain