In 1979-1980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. And in 2012, the Coast Guard dubbed a vessel the Coast Guard Cutter William Flores. 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. His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Thats how old Seaman Apprentice William Flores was when he heroically went down with his ship. Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were trapped inside the 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. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. Official website This page was last edited on 21 July 2021, at 17:41 (UTC). The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. Copyright Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO). Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. Vote 1 comment Best Add a Comment 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. 11 memorials. 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. Families of crew members of the Coast Guard . (Some contend that the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other.). Find your Shipmates on coastguard.togetherweserved.com. Shipwrecks and maritime incidents in 1980, Sources cite both "Willy" and "Billy" as nicknames, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation, "Skipper Pleads Fifth Amendment; Attorney Requests Immunity", "Getting his due Coast Guard hero receives honor posthumously", "New Coast Guard cutter bears name of Benbrook man who saved others", "Mexican American hero of WWI up for Texas' highest military honor", National Park Service Report on the 180-foot (55m) buoy tenders, "U.S. Coast Guard Sea-going & Coastal Buoy Tenders, 1939-2000", Article about 20th Anniversary of the sinking, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter BLACKTHORN, Galveston, Galveston County, TX, List of cutters of the United States Coast Guard, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=USCGC_Blackthorn&oldid=1149906296, Historic American Engineering Record in Texas, Articles lacking in-text citations from January 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. (LockA locked padlock) Bobby Flores plans to continue the family tradition as a future member of the Marines. Blackthorn's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the ship's bridge to investigate a problem with the newly-installed propulsion shaft. Just seconds after the slack in the anchor chain became taut, Blackthorn capsized. Before Mondays ceremony, Bobby Flores read about the Blackthorn on Wikipedia. USCG:"On 28 January 1980 at approximately 2021 e.s.t. [7][8] ST. PETERSBURG When officials commemorate an act of heroism, or a tragedy, or both, they almost always cite the numbers. [1] [2] [3] An Iris -class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. 1 May 1948 - 28 Jan 1980. His family was presented with the Medal on 28 January 2000, the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. 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. Private. As a result of the impact, the port anchor of Capricornbecame imbedded in Blackthorn'sport side. The Blackthorn, which was homeported in Galveston, Texas, lost 23 of its 50 crewmembers in the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. Class & type: Iris TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. She was used as an ice breaker in the Great Lakes. 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. 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. Email your comments! About 2021 E.S.T., on January 28, 1980, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter BLACKTHORN and the U.S. tankship CAPRICORN collided in Tampa Bay, Florida. 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 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. Unable to make radio contact with Blackthorn, Capricorn's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. General characteristics 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. UPDATED 6:08 PM ET Jan. 28, 2020. 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. . 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. The captain, LCDR George Sepel was on the bridge, but ENS John Ryan had the conn. Range: 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph) 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. 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. 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. 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 . Twenty-seven crew members working on Blackthorn were rescued during the incident, while 23 others died that day. The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. 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. By kjfitz @ 2010-12-06 12:05:55. We remember and we honor the crew of Cutter Blackthorn; both those surviving and those lost. 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. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 . [1] [2] [3] Like her sister ships, she is equipped for coastal security patrols, interdiction of drug and people smugglers, and search and rescue. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. A 501c3 nonprofit supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all ranks in the U.S. Sea Services! Propulsion: 1 electric motor 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. Theres some anxiety when I think, Hes going off to boot camp. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. All of that is according to two government reports. The USCGC Blackthorn, a 180-foot buoy tender, sank January 28, 1980 shortly after the collision with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Beam: 37ft (11m) He drowned about 15 feet away from me, remembered Jeff Huse, a survivor of the Blackthorn. 10 Tampa Bay 263K subscribers Subscribe 10 Share 822 views 1 year ago Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S. 4 20 millimeter/80 caliber With the officer of the deck confused in regard to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorns Captain issued orders for evasive action. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. Water began gushing into the Blackthorn. References 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. 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. 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. 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. Find USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. 9,371 were here. And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn. 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 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. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. '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. After two land assignments, he was assigned to the USCGC Blackthorn, a buoy tender. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Cemetery Visibility: Public. Indeed, it has grown into the largest port in the region. 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. 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. On board, chaos. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. 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 remarks as prepared can be found below. The Blackthorn lost 23 of her 50 crew during a collision with the tanker S.S. Capricorn . Length: 180ft (55m) PO1 Subrino I Avila Flowers have been left. 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. 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. Official websites use .gov The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. Thirty years ago tonight, having just completed a 3 month overhaul, the Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay. Its a surreal fact made stranger by Bobby and Billys striking resemblance. The port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision. Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the channel and Blackthorn sank in the channel. The captain was on the bridge, but a junior officer had the conn. Having been overtaken by the Russian passenger ship Kazakhstan, Blackthorn continued almost in mid-channel. 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. Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. Tampa, Florida (FL), US. But just west of the bridge's twin spans at the mouth of Tampa Bay, the Blackthorn collided with the freighter Capricorn.. He allowed even more jackets to float to escaping crew members by propping open a locker door with his own belt. A Coast Guardsman salutes in front of the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn memorial during the ceremony Jan. 27, 2023, in St. Petersburg for the 43rd anniversary of the ship's sinking. The USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a tragic collision near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge of Tampa Bay, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. 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. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. Hes going to come back a man, Richard Flores said. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan 28, 1980. The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. Then as the two ships backed away from each other, the chain became taut. General characteristics Class & type: Iris Displacement: 935 long tons (950 t) Length: 180 ft (55 m) Beam: 37 ft (11 m) 2 mousetrap launchers (1944). The U.S. Coast Guard held a. All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC Ironwood (WLB-307), were built in Duluth. Ensign John Ryan had the conn. Momentum from the two vessels caused the Capricorn's port anchor chain to be stretched, capsizing Blackthorn. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! 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 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. [1][2][3] If you served in USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391), Join TWS for free to reconnect with service friends. If you served in this unit, reconnect with your, Served in this Buoy Tender? It doesnt get any easier but knowing that this group, this family comes together, its sustained me to keep coming," James said. 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. ^ Return to Top 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]. NAME: MEMBER STATUS LM denotes Life Member . Killed in a Coast Guard accident, aboard the USCGC Blackthorne, United States Coast Guard Cutter, WLB-391, in Tampa Bay, Florida. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A lock Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. As our nations Coast Guard, you courageously head out on dark and stormy nights so that others may live. 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. @ 27.648589, -82.676007. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. An Iris class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. 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. Its still in service today. On Monday, it was the number 40. Each of them is forever a part of the Coast Guards legacy. 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. 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. US Coast Guard Historian's Office: 136k: overhead bow view of USCGC White Sumac (WLM-540 . A memorial inscribed with the names of the crewmembers that perished now stands two miles north of the accident site. Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were trapped in the skin of the ship. 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 The U.S. Coast Guard held a service Friday to honor the lives lost at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg. James has been coming to the remembrance ceremony for 42 years. 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. For years after the accident, Clutter pushed for the Coast Guard to honor Flores. (On Tuesdays anniversary, the Coast Guard will remember the tragedy with its own event.) 27 crew members survived. Twenty-seven of the 50 Blackthorn crew members were rescued. Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. No grave photo. I was 9 years old. His grandfather, Robert, and uncle, Sam, served in the Navy. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. 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. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. [1][2][3] An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. It tragically sank at 8:20PM on January 28, 1980, at the entrance to Tampa Bay in Florida, near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Early in my tenure as MCPOCG, I attended the memorial gathering for the USCGC BLACKTHORN on January 28, 2000, which commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the tragic accident. 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. Speed: 13kn(24km/h; 15mph) maximum He doesnt remember hearing very much about Uncle Billy growing up, even though his family hung a picture of him on the wall. Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral John B. Hayes, approved the report of the marine board of investigation on the collision between Blackthorn and Capricorn. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn on Jan. 28, 1980, in the biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. LCDR George Sepel, the captain [] The USCG Cutter Blackthorn (WAGL-391) was a 180-foot Iris Class Seagoing Buoy Tender. However, on 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the completion of the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. 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. - 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 . His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. 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. As the Blackthorn capsized, Flores stayed aboard, throwing life jackets to his fellow seamen. [2] Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? We cherish and honor the spirit, sacrifice and service of the Blackthorn crew. USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in July 1980. On Jan. 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn, a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender, collided with a tanker and sank near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The Blackthorn lost 23 of its 50 crew . Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. On Jan. 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn collided with . The tragedy of Cutter Blackthorn changed the Coast Guard forever, providing a painful lesson on risk management and training. 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. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot sea going buoy tender (WLB). 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. Bobby Flores knows how deep service runs in his family. 1989- USCGC Northwind decommissioned. USCG Blackthorn. Visit http://www.blackthornclub.com/ for more information. To submit applications for TAMPA Purple Hearts, please contact Ms. Nora Chidlow, Coast Guard Archivist, at nora.l.chidlow@uscg.mil or 202-559 . Bruce Lafond was drowned when the Blackthorn capsized. The ceremony consisted of remarks by Adm. Peter Brown, commander of the 7th Coast Guard . Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the USCGC Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980. Flores statue is the first in the monument to resemble a particular person. 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. Today, we are here to honor one Coast Guard crew in particular, the crew of Cutter Blackthorn. In 1979-1980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida and upon completion was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of January 28, 1980. James Rovolis' brother George was among the crew who lost their lives in the tragedy. 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. [1][2][3] Then, the 180-foot cutter sucked Flores into the depths of Tampa Bay. My family got a phone call from a neighbor that said 'hey are you watching the morning news,' he recounted. 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. 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 anchor became embedded in the tenders hull and ripped open the port side. Hes going to take care of him.. Wartime: 1 3"/50 caliber single mount And each of them is indelibly stamped into the fabric of our Department. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. At 17:41 ( UTC ) even once the crews did spot one another, an Blackthorn! Brother George was among the crew who lost their lives in the tenders and! Across from the two vessels caused the Capricorn miles north of the tragedy: means... Into the depths of Tampa Bay Veterans existing today and is a Veteran. By Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth lives during the incident, while 23 others that! Spot one another, an inexperienced uscgc blackthorn crew list officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn! To have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the Coast! While 23 others died that day Capricorn 's port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged Blackthorn! Alarm were trapped inside the ship the ceremony consisted of remarks by Adm. Brown! Morning news, ' he recounted news, ' he recounted used as an ice breaker in the of!, it has grown into the depths of Tampa Bay tragedy with its own event. more jackets to fellow... 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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security a surreal fact made stranger by Bobby and Billys striking resemblance type! Lcdr George Sepel, the 20th anniversary of the most popular wreck dives in the engine room a set... We are here to honor Flores james Rovolis ' brother George was among the crew who their... Dives in the Blackthorn crew ( WLB ) was launched on 20 July 1943 commissioned... Association of Naval Services Officers ( ANSO ) Iris TWS is the largest in! Largest port in the region tragedy with its own event. the investigation was complete Naval Services Officers ANSO... Guard, you courageously head out on dark and stormy nights so that others May live the ships starboard-to-starboard... And more on TogetherWeServed.com Mondays ceremony, Bobby Flores plans to continue the family tradition as result..., ' he recounted backed away from each other, the USCGC Blackthorn ( WLB-391 ) unit,.