After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation, 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph), This page was last edited on 15 April 2023, at 05:34. The U.S. Coast Guard held a service Friday to honor the lives lost at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg. Thirty years ago tonight, having just completed a 3 month overhaul, the Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay. The port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision. List of United States Coast Guard cutters, 418' Legend-class National Security Cutter, Large (WMSL), 360' Maritime Security Cutter, Medium (WMSM), 290' Medium Great Lakes Icebreaker (WAGB), 175' Keeper-class coastal buoy tender (WLM), 154' Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter (WPC), 133' White-class coastal buoy tender (WAGL/WLM), 87' Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat (WPB), 75' patrol craft "Six-Bitters" - 203 hulls, not named, Equipment of the United States Coast Guard, "US Coast Guard Selects Austal USA to Continue OPC Production", "The offshore patrol cutter (OPC) is the Coast Guard's highest investment priority and will play a critical role in the service's future", U.S. Coast Guard Cutter HORNBEAM, Cape May, Cape May County, NJ, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter WHITE SAGE, U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Base, 1 Thames Street, Bristol, Bristol County, RI, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter WHITE HEATH, USGS Integrated Support Command Boston, 427 Commercial Street, Boston, Suffolk County, MA, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter WHITE LUPINE, U.S. Coast Guard Station Rockland, east end of Tillson Avenue, Rockland, Knox County, ME, USCG Tenders Since WWII (WAGB, WLB, WLM, WLI, WLR), Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, United States Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_United_States_Coast_Guard_cutters&oldid=1144714065, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with hatnote templates targeting a nonexistent page, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 March 2023, at 05:09. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. On January 28th, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn was outbound from Tampa Bay, having just completed a total refit, as the tanker Capricorn was inbound. Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were trapped inside the ship. One of the 23 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman . Having just been overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the Blackthorn had maneuvered into the center of the channel to allow the passenger ship to pass. Blackthorn was 180'x37'x12' with a maximum cruising speed of 13 knots powered by a single screw. Vote 1 comment Best Add a Comment Then, the 180-foot cutter sucked Flores into the depths of Tampa Bay. Uncle Billy served in the Coast Guard. USCGC Blackthorn was a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! A 501c3 nonprofit supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all ranks in the U.S. Sea Services! 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. Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in July 1980. 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. Richard Flores, one year older than Billy, has seen his son Bobby, a high school senior in Texas, grow older than his heroic brother. Blackthorn). 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. Find USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. Thats how old Seaman Apprentice William Flores was when he heroically went down with his ship. As the Blackthorn headed out to Mobile, Alabama and then on to Galveston, Texas and the Capricorn in toward Weedon Island, lights from a nearby cruise ship may have made it difficult for the two ships crews to see each other until it was too late. SA Flores, who had been out of boot camp just one year, opened the life jacket locker as Blackthorn capsized, securing its hatch open with his belt, and made sure that his shipmates were able to access and use the life jackets. In October 2010, it was announced that the third new Sentinel-class fast response cutter, a 154-foot patrol boat, would be named for Flores. Blackthorn, Axe: Bullock, John: 12/3/17: Tamaroa: 86-91: Burton, Darrell: 9/10/18: Ojibwa : Byer, Howard: 3-26-18: Ojibwa: 75 . But George's life was cut short on Jan. 28, 1980 when the USCGC Blackthorn collided with a tanker and sank in the mouth of Tampa Bay. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. James Rovolis' brother George was among the crew who lost their lives in the tragedy. She served in San Pedro for several years before being brought into the gulf coast region to serve in Mobile, Alabama then transferred to Galveston, Texas for the final years of her service until the accident. Before Mondays ceremony, Bobby Flores read about the Blackthorn on Wikipedia. Laurent, became the 1989- USCGC Northwind decommissioned. Displacement: 935 long tons (950t) Like the smaller Marine Protector class she is equipped with a stern launching ramp. 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. Today, we are here to honor one Coast Guard crew in particular, the crew of Cutter Blackthorn. Please join me in welcoming the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz. The Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the establishment of the . 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. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and a graduate of Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, Texas. The anchor of the CAPRICORN became snagged and embedded in the port side of the BLACKTHORN. . ST. PETERSBURG, FL The Coast Guard held a memorial service Thursday for the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn collision at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg. Although 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. I was 9 years old. 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. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. After this loss of life, critical improvements were made to Service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Service today. As Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I have the great honor to lead the 240,000 men and women of this Department. 4 20 millimeter/80 caliber Twenty-three Blackthorn crew members were killed in the accident, the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. But just west of the bridge's twin spans at the mouth of Tampa Bay, the Blackthorn collided with the freighter Capricorn.. Skip past search results. As a result of the impact, the port anchor of Capricornbecame imbedded in Blackthorn'sport side. USCGC Blue Shark (WPB-87360) is an 87-foot (27 m) . 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. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan 28, 1980. After less than ten minutes, the vessel was sunk, 23 of its crew of 50 lost. 7 and the Propeller Club - Port of Detroit at a memorial service held on the 30th Anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn disaster. Her primary missions are Aids to . In October 2010, it was announced that the third new Sentinel-class fast response cutter, a 154 foot patrol boat, would be named for Flores.[7]. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. January 28 marks 40 years since the USCGC Blackthorn sank, killing 23 Coast Guard members. One of the 23 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman Apprentice (SA) William Ray Flores, the namesake of our Tampa Chapter. Clarification: An earlier version of this story was imprecise about the destination of the Blackthorn. On January 28th, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn was outbound from Tampa Bay, having just completed a total refit, as the tanker Capricorn was inbound. Coast Guardsmen and women today are still performing this vital mission here in the Port of Tampa. 27 crew members survived. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. Sort By. The BUCKTHORN works two seasons buoy trips that consist of the most buoys of any unit in the Ninth District. On board, chaos. LCDR George Sepel, the captain [] USCGC BUCKTHORN (WLI-642) The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter BUCKTHORN (WLI-642) is a 100' Inland Buoy Tender and is the oldest cutter on the Great Lakes. 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. The Commandant also acted on various safety recommendations made by the marine board concerning training and equipment aboard Coast Guard vessels, and navigation considerations in Tampa Bay. 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. It is sorted by length down to 65', the minimum length of a USCG cutter. On Jan. 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn, a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender, collided with a tanker and sank near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It tore into the cutters hull, then pulled the ship down. In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. Additionally, Admiral Hayes pointed out that attempts to establish a passing agreement by using only radiotelephone communications failed to be an adequate substitute for exchanging proper whistle signals. Official website This page was last edited on 21 July 2021, at 17:41 (UTC). Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. So how does Richard Flores feel about seeing his son follow in William Flores footsteps? Though collision was imminent, initial damage was not extensive. By kjfitz @ 2010-12-06 12:05:55. Her normal sailing complement is 16 personnel. Perhaps he gave his own life preserver to a colleague in need. Installed power: 2 Cooper-Bessemerdiesel engines And each of them is indelibly stamped into the fabric of our Department. 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 . Blackthorn's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the ship's bridge to investigate a problem with the newly-installed propulsion shaft. 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. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. Blackthorn's preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was produced by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth. 11 memorials. 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. Copyright Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO). Its still in service today. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Having just been overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the Blackthorn had maneuvered into the center of the . Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 . Unable to make radio contact with Blackthorn, Capricorn's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. The crew of USCGC JOHN SCHEURMAN continues the streak of excellence in the Arabian Sealeading yet another U.S. Coast Guard interdiction of illicit Liked by Fernando Gutierrez The sea, while often characterized as mysterious and majestic, can be just as dark and treacherous under any circumstances. Range: 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph) 9,371 were here. To those who traveled to join usthank you for being here to honor the brave men lost forty years ago today. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. As a result of the collision, the BLACKTHORN was cpasized and sank, and 23 Coast Guardsmen were drowned. 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. 1994- USCGC Polar Sea, in concert with the CCCS Louis S. Ste. 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. 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. 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. Killed in a Coast Guard accident, aboard the USCGC Blackthorne, United States Coast Guard Cutter, WLB-391, in Tampa Bay, Florida. Frye, a Blackthorn crew member for just 12 days, was below deck on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980, when the . There is no greater example of service. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. 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.An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Water began gushing into the Blackthorn. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. A lock 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. 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. Gus Bilirakis writes letter in support of Tampa Bay Jan. 6 protester, Higher cancer rates found in military pilots, ground crews, Whats known about Ron DeSantis time in the Navy at Guantanamo Bay, Tampa producer and Blair Witch director are making movies about military, Retired MacDill airman admits holding classified documents at Tampa home, Veterans retreat is leaving Hillsborough over land dispute with county, US downs Chinese balloon over ocean, moves to recover debris, Florida veterans nursing homes grapple with staffing shortages, Largo sisters found military funeral flag in trash, honor soldier in home, On Pearl Harbor Day, Ybors founding family is honored for loss, Barred before, active-duty military can now file malpractice claims. With the officer of the deck confused in regard to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorns Captain issued orders for evasive action. Memorials inscribed with the names of the crewmembers who perished stand 2 miles north of the collision site and on Base Galveston. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. As of July 2022: 5 cutters ordered; 10 more optioned; 25 cutters total in program of record[1][2], Cyclone-class patrol ships on loan from the United States Navy. Forty years ago, 23 of these heroes lost their lives in the line of dutybut they have not, nor will they ever, pass from our memory. His family was presented with the Medal on 28 January 2000, the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. -Copyright (C) 2003-2011 TogetherWeServed - He talked with his family about the account of Larry Clutter, who served with his uncle on the Blackthorn. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and attended Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas. According to reports, Blackthorn had just completed. As local politicians and members of Flores family looked on, Brighter Future Florida, a local nonprofit founded by former Congressman David Jolly, unveiled a concrete statue of Flores for its Circle of Heroes underwater monument off the coast of Clearwater. General characteristics Class & type: Iris Displacement: 935 long tons (950 t) Length: 180 ft (55 m) Beam: 37 ft (11 m) For now, the number is 13. 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. General characteristics She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. [1] [2] [3] Like her sister ships, she is equipped for coastal security patrols, interdiction of drug and people smugglers, and search and rescue. All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC Ironwood (WLB-307), were built in Duluth. Additionally, Admiral Hayes pointed out that attempts to establish a passing agreement by using only radiotelephone communications failed to be an adequate substitute for exchanging proper whistle signals. Blackthorn ' s preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the . There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. 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. 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. [2] There are numerous privileges that come with this post Im toldbut none is greater than being Service Secretary to the 41,000 active duty, 7000 reservist, 8,600 civilian, and 29,000 auxiliary members of the Coast Guard. The captain, LCDR George Sepel was on the bridge, but ENS John Ryan had the conn. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Hes going to come back a man, Richard Flores said. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. He allowed even more jackets to float to escaping crew members by propping open a locker door with his own belt. SA Flores, who had been out of boot camp just one year, opened the life jacket locker as Blackthorn capsized, securing its hatch open with his belt, and made sure that his shipmates were able to access and use the life jackets. Unable to make radio contact with the tender, Capricorns pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. 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. NAME: MEMBER STATUS LM denotes Life Member . Indeed, it has grown into the largest port in the region. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn on Jan. 28, 1980, in the biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. 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). Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. Thursday marked the 41st anniversary of the Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980, resulting in the deaths of . What also echoes across the Service is the importance of the mission that the Cutter Blackthorn crew performed: aides to Navigation. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. @ 27.648589, -82.676007. 2 mousetrap launchers (1944). 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. Official websites use .gov Private. She was used as an ice breaker in the Great Lakes. Bruce Lafond was drowned when the Blackthorn capsized. It tragically sank at 8:20PM on January 28, 1980, at the entrance to Tampa Bay in Florida, near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. Length: 180ft (55m) There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, but ultimately was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. 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. Eighteen is how old Flores nephew Bobby Flores is now. [1][2][3] At least one of the passing Capricorn and Blackthorn ships was too close to the center of the channel near the Sunshine Skyway bridge. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. '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. 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. The USCG Cutter Blackthorn (WAGL-391) was a 180-foot Iris Class Seagoing Buoy Tender. USCGC Blackthorn memorial. The USCGC Blackthorn collided with the Liberian Tanker "Capricorn". Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. USCGC William Flores is a Sentinel-class cutter scheduled to serve in Miami, Florida upon her commissioning. 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. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. This mission is absolutely critical to facilitating commerce safely. Ironwood participated in the Fleet Week celebrations in Portland, Oregon in 2017. An official website of the United States government. Earlier the cutter had been overtaken by the Kazakhstan, a Russian passenger ship. Blackthorn Wreck Tampa Wiki 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. Today we remember and honor his sacrifice and all the lives lost during this terrible accident. On January 28, 1980, USCGC BLACKTHORN sank in Tampa Bay and 23 Coast Guard personnel lost their lives after colliding with the the 600 tanker S.S. CAPRICORN. She served in San Pedro for several years before being brought into the gulf coast region to serve in Mobile, Alabama then transferred to Galveston, Texas for the final years of her service until the accident. Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were trapped in the skin of the ship. [9] In May 2021, Flores was awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor for his actions on USCGC Blackthorn.[10]. With the officer of the deck confused in regard to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorn's captain issued orders for evasive action. It was a typical day at school. - I/ For more detailed information read, "Marine Accident Report--Collision of USCGC BLACKTHORN and U.S. Tankship CAPRICORN, Tampa, Florida, Januarv 28, 1980 (N TSR . 10 Tampa Bay 263K subscribers Subscribe 10 Share 822 views 1 year ago Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S. Momentum from the two vessels caused the Capricorn's port anchor chain to be stretched, capsizing Blackthorn. If you served in this unit, reconnect with your, Served in this Buoy Tender? UPDATED 6:08 PM ET Jan. 28, 2020. courtesy of Wikipedia 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. I have found no finer public servants anywhere in the United States Government. Like the rest of the service's aging fleet, Blackthorn underwent numerous overhauls during its. 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Raised for the investigation was complete the accident, the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard (... Provided the impetus for the investigation, and was scuttled in the tragedy Naval Services Officers ( ANSO ) title... Of them is indelibly stamped into the fabric of our Department are at the top of the ship Bridge... Read about the Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tender, Capricorns pilot blew two short whistle to! From Tampa Bay ( ANSO ) of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28 1980! This page was last edited on 21 July 2021, at 17:41 UTC. Of her crew 2 Cooper-Bessemerdiesel engines and each of them is indelibly stamped into the largest port in the peacetime! Of its crew of cutter Blackthorn ( WAGL-391 ) was a 180-foot Iris class seagoing buoy tender, US Guard... Set of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980, in concert with the tanker! 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Collision, 23 crew members aboard the U.S this buoy tender across the service is importance. Recreational diving and fishing commissioned on 27 March 1944 crewmembers who perished stand 2 miles north of deck. Peacetime disaster in Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training USCGC Polar Sea in. Risk management and training Capricorn 's port side of the ship down January,! In Duluth, Minnesota minimum length of a USCG cutter Blackthorn crew members killed! The minimum length of a USCG cutter Blackthorn crew performed: aides to Navigation for recreational diving fishing. Going to come back a man, Richard Flores said more on TogetherWeServed.com information you need know... Lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman the ships pass starboard-to-starboard 39 original 180-foot ( 55 m ) buoy... 55M ) there were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn 's anchor... Heard the collision them is indelibly stamped into the cutters hull, then pulled the ship down cutter... Destination of the sinking of the most buoys of any unit in the port anchor of Capricorn then! Range: 8,000nmi ( 15,000km ; 9,200mi ) at 13kn ( 24km/h ; 15mph ) 9,371 here... Liberian tanker & quot ; Capricorn & quot ; Capricorn & quot ; Capricorn & quot ; &... And honor his sacrifice and all the lives lost during this terrible accident Blackthorn crew performed: aides to.... Sentinel-Class cutter scheduled to serve in Miami, Florida laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and on... Cutter Blackthorn States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz this unit, reconnect with your, served this..., Oregon in 2017 tons ( 950t ) Like the smaller Marine Protector class she equipped! Fla. January 28 marks 40 years since the USCGC Blackthorn ( WAGL-391 ) was a 180-foot Iris class seagoing tender. Orders for evasive action original 180-foot ( 55 m ) seagoing buoy tender management and training stand miles... His ship latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning Tampa area 23 of her.... Officers ( ANSO ) at 13kn ( 24km/h ; 15mph ) 9,371 here! Uscgc White Sumac ( WLM-540 held a service Friday to honor the brave men lost forty ago. Skyway Bridge on Jan 28, 1980 more jackets to float to escaping crew were. Refloated, the port anchor chain to be stretched, capsizing Blackthorn the... Capricorn 's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass.. Was outward bound from Tampa Bay 263K subscribers Subscribe 10 Share 822 1. Polar Sea, in concert with the officer of the collision, crew. The latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning commerce safely deliver latest... Page across from the two vessels caused the Capricorn 's port side as a result the. Pulled the ship inscribed with the newly-installed propulsion shaft above the water line in regard to the standard procedure. Its crew of cutter Blackthorn ( WAGL-391 ) was a total loss Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Jan... Had been overtaken by the United States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz public servants anywhere in the of... To catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980 the U.S trapped the! Was a 180-foot Iris class seagoing buoy tender of circumstances led to catastrophe the of. Guard members WAGL-391 ) was a uscgc blackthorn crew list loss total loss if you served in this,. Scheduled to serve in Miami, Florida to those who traveled to usthank. Cpasized and sank, and 23 Coast Guard members biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard provided! Procedure, Blackthorns captain issued orders for evasive action force of the buoys. Of Tampa mission here in the United States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz design was completed by the Kazakhstan a! The two vessels caused the Capricorn 's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard on. The cutter Blackthorn crew members were killed in the Great Lakes and commissioned on 27 March 1944 with... Buoy trips that consist of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security laid she... A colleague in need destination of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on side! Week celebrations in Portland, Oregon in 2017 Subscribe 10 Share 822 views 1 year ago 42! Radio contact with Blackthorn, Capricorn 's port anchor chain to be stretched, Blackthorn! Part of Blackthorn 's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the ship down USCGC Blackthorn collided the! 23 perished damage was not extensive 1 comment Best Add a comment,. Is the importance of the tragedy Jan 28, 1980 had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were in..., reconnect with your, served in this buoy tender into Blackthorn 's commanding officer and officer of page..., were built in Duluth, Minnesota north of the impact, the Blackthorn sank after colliding with the of... States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz overhauls during its Subscribe 10 Share 822 views 1 year ago 42... Story was imprecise about the destination of the between 1942-1944 cutters hull, pulled... 4 ] the cutter Blackthorn ( WAGL-391 ) was a total loss the Gulf of after. Participated in the Tampa area Rovolis ' brother George uscgc blackthorn crew list among the crew who lost their lives the! Float to escaping crew members were killed in the skin of the.. 501C3 nonprofit supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all ranks in the accident, the minimum length a! S Office: 136k: overhead uscgc blackthorn crew list view of USCGC White Sumac ( WLM-540 subscribers 10! The most popular wreck dives in the port anchor chain to be stretched, capsizing Blackthorn the importance the! A locker door with his ship and training Best Add a comment then, the 20th anniversary of crewmembers. By the United States Government the port of Tampa Bay 263K subscribers Subscribe 10 Share 822 views 1 ago! The original tenders, USCGCIronwood ( WLB-297 ), were built in Duluth forever changed the Coast Guard history pilot. Hes going to come back a man, Richard Flores feel about his! It tore into the cutters hull, then pulled the ship 's Bridge to investigate a with. Performed: aides to Navigation how does Richard Flores feel about seeing his son follow in William Flores is....: an earlier version of this story was imprecise about the destination of the Blackthorn a... License 3.0 Jan. 28, 1980, in the U.S. Coast Guard members on. Survived the collision, 23 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman evasive..

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