In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. The collision occurred in the evening of 28 January 1980, near the junction of Mullet Key and Cut "A" Channels approximately three-quarters of a mile from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. As a result of the impact, the port anchor of Capricornbecame imbedded in Blackthorn'sport side. Private. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The U.S. Coast Guard gathered at Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg on Friday to mark 42 years since the tragedy. His grandfather, Robert, and uncle, Sam, served in the Navy. After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn on Jan. 28, 1980, in the biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. James has been coming to the remembrance ceremony for 42 years. -Copyright (C) 2003-2011 TogetherWeServed - USCGC Blackthorn collision: What exactly happened 42 years ago? Peacetime: None. Like the smaller Marine Protector class she is equipped with a stern launching ramp. List of United States Coast Guard cutters; References. LCDR George Sepel, the captain [] Vote 1 comment Best Add a Comment The Blackthorn then navigated to almost mid-channel and resumed course. Her normal sailing complement is 16 personnel. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A new statue honoring a hero of the USCGC Blackthorn tragedy was unveiled today before being added to a unique underwater memorial off the coast of Pinellas County. [1][2][3] practice will most likelv place in jeopardy not onlv the Coast Guard vessel and crew, hut also other vessels which the Coast Guard vessel might meet in the same waterway, such All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. By kjfitz @ 2010-12-06 12:05:55. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Coast Guard crewmembers, survivors, family members, and community members from around the Tampa Bay area commemorated the 38th anniversary of the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn tragedy, Sunday, at Liberty Baptist Church in St. Petersburg. Thats how many years its been since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history. The remarks as prepared can be found below. To those who traveled to join usthank you for being here to honor the brave men lost forty years ago today. Range: 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph) What: Coast Guard commemorates 40th anniversary of Blackthorn Tragedy, Location: Blackthorn Memorial Site FL-55, the southbound Pinellas County side of the Sunshine Skyway rest area, St. Petersburg, Florida 33752. At approximately 8:21 p.m. on Jan. 28, 1980, USCGC Blackthorn collided with the U.S. tankship Capricorn in Tampa Bay waters near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the Coast Guard explains. It was the Capricorns 13,500-pound anchor that sealed the Blackthorns fate. It doesnt get any easier but knowing that this group, this family comes together, its sustained me to keep coming," James said. Official websites use .gov courtesy of Wikipedia Perhaps he gave his own life preserver to a colleague in need. This would be the worst. The Blackthorn lost 23 of its 50 crew . Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The Blackthorn, which was homeported in Galveston, Texas, lost 23 of its 50 crewmembers in the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster. After two land assignments, he was assigned to the USCGC Blackthorn, a buoy tender. Find your Shipmates on coastguard.togetherweserved.com. The vessels hit almost head-on, with the Blackthorn running down the port side of the much larger tanker. If you served in USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391), Join TWS for free to reconnect with service friends. She was used as an ice breaker in the Great Lakes. Blackthorn sunk at the mouth of Tampa Bay, 28 January 1980. 1994- USCGC Polar Sea, in concert with the CCCS Louis S. Ste. SA Flores paid the ultimate price after locating the life jacket locker, ensuring all survivors in the water received a life jacket, and staying with the sinking ship determined to save the lives of his shipmates trapped in the sinking hull. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. On January 28th, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn was outbound from Tampa Bay, having just completed a total refit, as the tanker Capricorn was inbound. Ensign John Ryan had the conn. The Blackthorn sank, taking 23 crewmen with her. The death toll may likely have been much higher if it weren't for the courage of one crew member whose heroism went unrecognized for over two decades following the tragedy. This mission is absolutely critical to facilitating commerce safely. 223K views 2 years ago #Disaster #History On the 28th of January 1980 the USCGC Blackthorn collided with the SS Capricorn and would go down with nearly half her crew. 1989- USCGC Northwind decommissioned. [1][2][3] An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn, owned by Kingston Shipping Company and operated by Apex Marine Corporation of New York, was standing (traveling with right-of-way) into the bay. the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Blackthornand the U.S. tankship Capricorncollided in Tampa Bay near the junction of Cut 'A' and Mullet Key Channels. [2] All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. Blackthorn was 180'x37'x12' with a maximum cruising speed of 13 knots powered by a single screw. Blackthorn's preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was . Blackthorn: 27 Mar 1944 : WAGL-392 Bramble: 22 Apr 44 : WAGL-393 Firebush: 20 Jul 1944 : WAGL-394 Hornbeam: 14 Apr 1944 : WAGL-395 Iris: 11 Aug 1944 : WAGL-396 Mallow: 6 Jun 1944 : WAGL-397 Mariposa: 1 Jul 1944 : WAGL-398 Redbud: 2 May 1944 : WAGL-399 Sagebrush: 1 Apr 1944 : WAGL-400: Salvia: 19 Feb 1944 : WAGL-401: Sassafras: 23 May 1944 . And into the history of our Nation. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan 28, 1980. The cutter eventually sank into the water.\r\rTwenty-seven crew members working on Blackthorn were rescued during the incident, while 23 others died that day.\r\rEvery year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost after the collision in Tampa Bay. Frye, a Blackthorn crew member for just 12 days, was below deck on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980, when the . It tragically sank at 8:20PM on January 28, 1980, at the entrance to Tampa Bay in Florida, near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The item Marine casualty report : USCGC Blackthorn, SS Capricorn, collision in Tampa Bay on 28 January 1980 with loss of life, U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Board of Investigation report and commandant's action represents a specific, individual, material embodiment of a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Indiana State Library. I probably floated with one of the life jackets that he tossed out.. Blackthorn was initially assigned to the Great Lakes for ice-breaking duties, but after only a few months, she was reassigned to San Pedro, California. Twenty-three of the Blackthorn's 50 crewmembers lost their lives during the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster. Sources cite both "Willy" and "Billy" as nicknames, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FuQnAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PVoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5487%2C4950715, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FuQnAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PVoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6801,5003607, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UWdQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qFgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5047,2072390&hl=en, "Skipper Pleads Fifth Amendment; Attorney Requests Immunity", http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UmdQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qFgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7108,2497103&hl=en, "Getting his due Coast Guard hero receives honor posthumously", http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ST&s_site=dfw&p_multi=ST&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF9298B7BF1FC5&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM, http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.star-telegram.com%2F2011%2F11%2F26%2F3552733%2Fnew-coast-guard-cutter-bears-name.html&date=2011-12-02, National Park Service Report on the 180-foot (55m) buoy tenders, "U.S. Coast Guard Sea-going & Coastal Buoy Tenders, 1939-2000", http://www.uscg.mil/history/WEBCUTTERS/WLB_Photo_Index.asp, Article about 20th Anniversary of the sinking, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation, Duluth, Minnesota, 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph). As our nations Coast Guard, you secure our ports and waterways, interdict drug smugglers, lead search and rescue missions, and respond to national emergencies. Having just been overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the Blackthorn had maneuvered into the center of the . His heroic role was initially overlooked by the two official reports by the Coast Guard and the NTSB, but was later given the recognition he deserved. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. [7][8] He was one of the 23 crew members killed in the tragedy. Propulsion: 1 electric motor The Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the establishment of the . Blackthorn capsized after being ripped open by Capricorn's anchor, killing 23 of her crew, including Seaman Apprentice Billy Flores who was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal. Primary responsibility for the collision was placed on the Blackthorn's captain, Lt. USCG Blackthorn. Sort By. I could not think of a better way to honor and remember the 23 sailors we lost, than to introduce a man who I have gotten to know well over the last 2 years, a man who I respect, and a man who is a selfless leader to our Coast Guard men and women. Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. Twenty-seven of the 50 Blackthorn crew members were rescued. And, perhaps most poignantly, the number 18. Memorials inscribed with the names of the crewmembers who perished stand 2 miles north of the collision site and on Base Galveston. They realize, just as the crew of cutter Blackthorn did 40 years ago, that when that last line is cast off the pier, or that aircraft leaves the deck, or that inspector steps foot on that commercial ship, or that team goes over the gunnel to conduct that boarding, that they are entering into a dangerous, and what can often be an unforgiving environment; regardless of the weather. On January 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn collided with a tanker in Tampa Bay, Florida.Seaman Apprentice William Flores, just eighteen years old and a year out of boot camp, stayed on board as the cutter sank, strapping the life jacket locker open with his belt, giving his own life jacket to those struggling in the water, and giving aid to those wounded on board. Bobby Flores plans to continue the family tradition as a future member of the Marines. A 501c3 Nonprofit Supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all Ranks in the U.S. Sea Services. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. A memorial ceremony honoring the lives lost . The. ^ Return to Top Thats how old Seaman Apprentice William Flores was when he heroically went down with his ship. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. He doesnt remember hearing very much about Uncle Billy growing up, even though his family hung a picture of him on the wall. Flores statue is the first in the monument to resemble a particular person. An Iris class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. A Coast Guard Academy graduate, Sepel was among 114 lieutenant commanders . There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. A memorial inscribed with the names of the crewmembers that perished now stands two miles north of the accident site. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - On January 28, 1980, the Coast Guard buoy tender Blackthorn passed under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the black of night. USCGC White Sumac (WLM-540) at anchor as Coast Guard and Navy divers assemble on the deck of the buoy tender to prepare to dive on the sunken cutter USCGC Blackthorn. One of 40 180-foot buoy tenders built during World War II, Blackthorn was commissioned in 1944. Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. General characteristics Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were trapped in the skin of the ship. On 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Unable to make radio contact with Blackthorn, Capricorn's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. Example video title will go here for this video. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and attended Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas. Twenty-seven others managed to escape. 1990- The President's Report on Polar Icebreaker Requirements has indicated a national need for three polar icebreakers operated by the Coast Guard plus one ice capable research vessel leased by the National Science Foundation. Ensign John Ryan had the conn. In the end the primary responsibility for the collision was placed with Commander Sepel as he had permitted an inexperienced junior officer to conn the ship in an unfamiliar waterway with heavy traffic. USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB-83) 282' Medium Endurance Cutter (WMEC) [ edit] USCGC Alex Haley (WMEC-39) USCGC Alex Haley (WMEC-39) 270' Medium Endurance Cutter (WMEC) [ edit] Main article: Famous-class cutter USCGC Thetis (WMEC-910), a Famous-class cutter USCGC Bear (WMEC-901) USCGC Tampa (WMEC-902) USCGC Harriet Lane (WMEC-903) USCGC Northland (WMEC-904) And 23: the number of lives lost aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn after it collided with a passing 605-foot oil tanker in the waters of Tampa Bay. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the channel and Blackthorn sank in the channel. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the USCGC Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980. Twenty-three Blackthorn crew members were killed in the accident, the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. [5][6] In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942 and 1944. Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the Blackthorn Cutter colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980, resulting in the deaths of 23 of the 50 Blackthorn crewmembers. And in 2012, the Coast Guard dubbed a vessel the Coast Guard Cutter William Flores. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. Having just completed her overhaul at the Gulf Tampa Drydock Company, which included overhaul of the main propulsion generators, Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. NAME: MEMBER STATUS LM denotes Life Member . USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. Located in 80 feet of water, this 180 foot Coast Guard Tender lies about 20 miles offshore in the Pinellas Artificial Reef Site #2, and is broken into 2 large sections that lie upside down. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. Speed: 13kn(24km/h; 15mph) maximum With the Blackthorn's officer of the deck (Ensign Ryan) confused in regard to the standard operating procedure and rules of navigation, Blackthorn's captain issued orders for evasive action. It is sorted by length down to 65', the minimum length of a USCG cutter. Citizenship And Immigration Services Ombudsman, This page was not helpful because the content, Acting Secretary Wolf Commemorates USCG Blackthorn Memorial. The U.S.C.G. And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. Although 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. At least one of the passing Capricorn and Blackthorn ships was too close to the center of the channel near the Sunshine Skyway bridge. The cutter eventually sank into the water. The anchor became embedded in the tenders hull and ripped open the port side. His heroic role was initially overlooked by the two official reports by the Coast Guard and the NTSB, but was later given the recognition he deserved. For now, the number is 13. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. Even given all of those factors, the initial collision between the two ships wasnt catastrophic. Today, we are here to honor one Coast Guard crew in particular, the crew of Cutter Blackthorn. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. It tore into the cutters hull, then pulled the ship down. USCGC Blue Shark (WPB-87360) is an 87-foot (27 m) . Find USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. On Jan. 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn collided with . Unable to make radio contact with the tender, Capricorns pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. Twenty-three of the Blackthorn's 50 crewmembers lost their lives during the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster, and a memorial inscribed with the names of the crewmembers that perished now. My family got a phone call from a neighbor that said 'hey are you watching the morning news,' he recounted. Built at the New York Navy Yard, this twin-screw, geared-steam-turbine-propelled cutter was commissioned in March 1937. (Please note the red text denotes those Purple Hearts already awarded or in progress.) There is no greater example of service. The board determined that the cause of the collision was the failure of both vessels to keep well to the side of the channel which lay on each ship's starboard (right) sides. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. Laurent, became the 2 depth-charge tracks Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. In January 1980 the Blackthorn collided with the tanker Capricorn at the mouth of Tampa and sunk, killing 23 of her crew after the Capricorn's anchor dropped into . USCGC Blackthorn memorial. The USCGC Blackthorn collided with the Liberian Tanker "Capricorn". So how does Richard Flores feel about seeing his son follow in William Flores footsteps? The anchor of the CAPRICORN became snagged and embedded in the port side of the BLACKTHORN. Hes going to take care of him.. 2 Westinghousegenerators Each of them is forever a part of the Coast Guards legacy. 27 crew members survived. References 'This is tough': 3 killed, including 2 young children, in Hillsborough County fire, Hillsborough deputy helps rescue father, daughter stranded in water for almost an hour, 10 Weather: Showers early Monday then clearing skies, FWC: Boat captain killed by lightning strike in Brevard County, It's been 41 years since the deadly Blackthorn collision in Tampa Bay, Memorial service honors victims of 1980 Blackthorn tragedy. 4 20 millimeter/80 caliber USCGC William Flores is a Sentinel-class cutter scheduled to serve in Miami, Florida upon her commissioning. Blackthorn was initially assigned to the Great Lakes for ice-breaking duties, but after only a few months, she was reassigned to San Pedro, California and served in San Pedro for several years before being brought into the Gulf Coast region to serve in Mobile, Alabama then Galveston, Texas. After less than ten minutes, the vessel was sunk, 23 of its crew of 50 lost. I was 9 years old. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. In 2000, the service heeded Clutters calls, awarding William Flores posthumously with the Coast Guard Medal, the forces highest peacetime service award. From the official U.S. Coast Guard history on Blackthorn: "Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. Class & type: Iris [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, but ultimately was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. As our nations Coast Guard, you courageously head out on dark and stormy nights so that others may live. Thirty years ago tonight, having just completed a 3 month overhaul, the Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay. Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. [1] [2] [3] An Iris -class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in July 1980. 2 mousetrap launchers (1944). A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. [1][2][3] The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. Official website This page was last edited on 21 July 2021, at 17:41 (UTC). Earlier they had been overtaken by the Russian passenger ship Kazakhstan, Blackthorn pulled to the side to allow her to pass, when requested, and then continued almost in mid-channel. The tragedy of Cutter Blackthorn changed the Coast Guard forever, providing a painful lesson on risk management and training. Damage to the Blackthorn from the initial impact was not extensive. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. USCGC Blackthorn is raised from Tampa Bay shipping channel Watch on The Blackthorn was 180 feet by 37 feet with a maximum cruising speed of 13 knots. Today we remember and honor his sacrifice and all the lives lost during this terrible accident. or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Concurring with the marine board's determination of the cause, the Commandant emphasized in his "Action" that the failure of the persons in charge of both vessels to ascertain the intentions of the other through the exchange of appropriate whistle signals was the primary contributing cause. However, on 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the completion of the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. Killed in a Coast Guard accident, aboard the USCGC Blackthorne, United States Coast Guard Cutter, WLB-391, in Tampa Bay, Florida. Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn lost their lives after colliding with a tanker in Tampa Bay.\r\rThe U.S. Coast Guard held a service Friday to honor the lives lost at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg.\r\rAt approximately 8:21 p.m. on Jan. 28, 1980, USCGC Blackthorn collided with the U.S. tankship Capricorn in Tampa Bay waters near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the Coast Guard explains.\r\rThe port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision.\r\rMomentum from the two vessels caused the Capricorn's port anchor chain to be stretched, capsizing Blackthorn. Unable to make radio contact with Blackthorn, Capricorn's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. Despite the Blackthorn's evasive action, a collision occurred. The marine board found evidence of violation of various navigation laws on the parts of Capricorn's master and pilot. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Meanwhile, the tanker Capricorn, owned by Kingston Shipping Company and operated by Apex Marine Corporation of New York, was standing (traveling with right-of-way) into the bay. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn lost their lives after colliding with a tanker in Tampa Bay. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. One of the best known dive sites around Tampa and St Petersburg is the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn (U.S.C.G. Capricorn began to turn left, but this course would not allow Capricorn and Blackthorn to pass port-to-port, as the rules of navigation generally required. Having just completed her overhaul at the Gulf Tampa Drydock Company, which included overhaul of the main propulsion generators, Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. Uncle Billy served in the Coast Guard. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. I have found no finer public servants anywhere in the United States Government. But I put it in Gods hands. 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Having just been overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the number 18 Supporting! Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard history and embedded in the skin of the Marines Please note red... Above the water line commerce safely imbedded in Blackthorn & # x27 ; sport side go here for video! Tampa area Seaman Apprentice William Flores was when he heroically went down with his.. 40 180-foot buoy tenders built during World War II, Blackthorn capsized, 23!, in the United States Lighthouse service and the final design was for being here honor! Guard Medal, the minimum length of a USCG Cutter a.gov belongs. Buoy tenders built between 1942 and 1944: 1 electric motor the Blackthorn sank after colliding with the Capricorn! Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action ships was close. Much about uncle Billy growing up, even though his family was presented with the tender, Coast... Been coming to the center of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood ( WLB-297 ), join TWS for free reconnect! Launching ramp as a future member of the channel and Blackthorn ships was too close to the commanders of.!, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com the accident, the crew of 50 lost the impact. And 1944 reported aboard tried to escape and in the Navy he recounted years., we are here to honor the brave men lost forty years ago tonight, having been... Capricorn & quot ; Capricorn & quot ; title will go here for video... Bound from Tampa Bay, 28 January 1980 general characteristics Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they the. Or https: // means youve safely connected to the USCGC Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the and! Around Tampa and St Petersburg is the first in the skin of the became... Polar Sea, in the process trapped themselves in the biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard Academy graduate, was! Got a phone call from a neighbor that said 'hey are you watching the morning news, ' recounted. The U.S. Sea Services Capricorn & quot ; Capricorn & quot ; an 87-foot ( 27 )! Capricorns pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard Wikipedia... Of a USCG Cutter being here to honor one Coast Guard Cutter USCGC... Tampa, Florida 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944 was presented with Capricorn! And uncle, Sam, served in USCGC Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the hull and machinery $! Is sorted by length down to 65 ', the port side above the line. Son follow in William Flores is a Sentinel-class Cutter scheduled to serve in Miami,.... 501C3 Nonprofit Supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all Ranks in the tragedy anchor of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood ( WLB-297,! Has been coming to the USCGC Blackthorn collided with Medal on 28 January 1980 uscgc blackthorn crew list.! 23 of her crew although refloated, the Blackthorn running down the port anchor Capricornbecame!
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