ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - On January 28, 1980, the Coast Guard buoy tender Blackthorn passed under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the black of night. His father, Richard, served in the Air Force. 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. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. 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 . On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. 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. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan 28, 1980. ST. PETERSBURG When officials commemorate an act of heroism, or a tragedy, or both, they almost always cite the numbers. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. 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. I was 9 years old. He talked with his family about the account of Larry Clutter, who served with his uncle on the Blackthorn. With the officer of the deck confused in regard to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorn's captain issued orders for evasive action. General characteristics Class & type: Iris Displacement: 935 long tons (950 t) Length: 180 ft (55 m) Beam: 37 ft (11 m) [2] [1][2][3] As a result of the impact, the port anchor of Capricornbecame imbedded in Blackthorn'sport side. A 501c3 nonprofit supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all ranks in the U.S. Sea Services! A memorial ceremony honoring the lives lost . 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. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. 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. 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. [1] [2] [3] An Iris -class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Although 27 crewmen . Visit http://www.blackthornclub.com/ for more information. Official website This page was last edited on 21 July 2021, at 17:41 (UTC). Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Twenty-seven others managed to escape. In fact, he is the epitome of the motto Semper Paratus, and I am proud to serve our Nation with him. However, on 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the completion of the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. Blackthorn sunk at the mouth of Tampa Bay, 28 January 1980. Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. 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. References The anchor became embedded in the tenders hull and ripped open the port side. 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. 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 . 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. Theres some anxiety when I think, Hes going off to boot camp. 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. 1994- USCGC Polar Sea, in concert with the CCCS Louis S. Ste. An Iris class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. UPDATED 6:08 PM ET Jan. 28, 2020. Clarification: An earlier version of this story was imprecise about the destination of the Blackthorn. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. Thats how many years its been since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history. 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. 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. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. While the Port of Tampa Bay has always been a valuable port, it is different than it was 40 years ago. Every year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost in the collision. 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 Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. 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. The USCG Cutter Blackthorn (WAGL-391) was a 180-foot Iris Class Seagoing Buoy Tender. 9,371 were here. The BUCKTHORN works two seasons buoy trips that consist of the most buoys of any unit in the Ninth District. Class & type: Iris 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. The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. The USCGC Blackthorn capsized which resulted in the death of 23 Coastguardsmen. She was used as an ice breaker in the Great Lakes. 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. 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. Bobby Flores knows how deep service runs in his family. A lock Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. The following crew list identifies those individuals who have yet to be awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice. Blackthorn, Axe: Bullock, John: 12/3/17: Tamaroa: 86-91: Burton, Darrell: 9/10/18: Ojibwa : Byer, Howard: 3-26-18: Ojibwa: 75 . On 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. Vote 1 comment Best Add a Comment Find your Shipmates on coastguard.togetherweserved.com. U.S. Coast Guard personnel, visitors, and family members of the crew of the 180-foot U.S. Coast Guard vessel Blackthorn listen to speeches honoring those who were lost when the vessel sank on. 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 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. Bruce Lafond was drowned when the Blackthorn capsized. Ensign John Ryan had the conn. Just seconds after the slack in the anchor chain became taut, Blackthorn capsized. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. Indeed, it has grown into the largest port in the region. (Some contend that the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other.). James Rovolis' brother George was among the crew who lost their lives in the tragedy. 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. 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. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Complement: 48Armament: USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in July 1980. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Then as the two ships backed away from each other, the chain became taut. 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. Peacetime: None. External links. As our nations Coast Guard, you courageously head out on dark and stormy nights so that others may live. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [5][6] The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. 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. General characteristics 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. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. USCGC Blackthorn (WAGL/WLB-391) was a n Iris-class, 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. As our nations Coast Guard, you secure our ports and waterways, interdict drug smugglers, lead search and rescue missions, and respond to national emergencies. Memorials inscribed with the names of the crewmembers who perished stand 2 miles north of the collision site and on Base Galveston. 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. 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. The. On board, chaos. So how does Richard Flores feel about seeing his son follow in William Flores footsteps? The vessels hit almost head-on, with the Blackthorn running down the port side of the much larger tanker. As the Blackthorn capsized, Flores stayed aboard, throwing life jackets to his fellow seamen. The ceremony consisted of remarks by Adm. Peter Brown, commander of the 7th Coast Guard . On 28 January 1980, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. Laurent, became the All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. 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. Hes going to take care of him.. There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. 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. The captain, LCDR George Sepel was on the bridge, but ENS John Ryan had the conn. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Every year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost after the collision in Tampa 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. Then, the 180-foot cutter sucked Flores into the depths of Tampa Bay. The List of United States Coast Guard Cutters is a listing of all cutters to have been commissioned by the United States Coast Guard during the history of that service. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. 1989- USCGC Northwind decommissioned. -Copyright (C) 2003-2011 TogetherWeServed - 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 . We cherish and honor the spirit, sacrifice and service of the Blackthorn crew. US Coast Guard Historian's Office: 136k: overhead bow view of USCGC White Sumac (WLM-540 . George was fresh out of basic training and the USCGC Blackthorn was his first assignment. 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. 1 May 1948 - 28 Jan 1980. 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. 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. '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. And in 2012, the Coast Guard dubbed a vessel the Coast Guard Cutter William Flores. On Thursday, January 28, 2010, Lodge Member Tom Allor represented Detroit Lodge No. 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) A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. Eighteen is how old Flores nephew Bobby Flores is now. Range: 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph) Some contend that the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other. It tragically sank at 8:20PM on January 28, 1980, at the entrance to Tampa Bay in Florida, near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 10 Tampa Bay 263K subscribers Subscribe 10 Share 822 views 1 year ago Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. It is a privilege to be here with the survivors, families, friends and Coast Guard men and women at the 40th Anniversary of the tragic sinking of Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn. 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. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. Please join me in welcoming the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. The USCGC Blackthorn collided with the Liberian Tanker "Capricorn". 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. 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). [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. 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 . 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. Though collision was imminent, initial damage was not extensive. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. This would be the worst. [7][8] One of the 23 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman . Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Like the rest of the service's aging fleet, Blackthorn underwent numerous overhauls during its. The momentum of the two vessels caused Capricorn's anchor chain to become taut which resulted in the Blackthorn's capsizing. Richard Flores, one year older than Billy, has seen his son Bobby, a high school senior in Texas, grow older than his heroic brother. He allowed even more jackets to float to escaping crew members by propping open a locker door with his own belt. (On Tuesdays anniversary, the Coast Guard will remember the tragedy with its own event.) Despite the Blackthorn's evasive action, a collision occurred. 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. Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. 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. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, but ultimately was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. Wartime: 1 3"/50 caliber single mount Official websites use .gov 27 crew members survived. Blackthorn's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the ship's bridge to investigate a problem with the newly-installed propulsion shaft. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. 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. The 935 ton USCGC Blackthorn was built in 1943 at a cost of $876,403. The board determined that the cause of the casualty was the failure of both vessels to keep well to that side of the channel which lay on their starboard (right) side. But just west of the bridge's twin spans at the mouth of Tampa Bay, the Blackthorn collided with the freighter Capricorn.. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. Before Mondays ceremony, Bobby Flores read about the Blackthorn on Wikipedia. Speed: 13kn(24km/h; 15mph) maximum NAME: MEMBER STATUS LM denotes Life Member . After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. She now sails with a crew of sixty students and six instructors. Skip past search results. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. We remember and we honor the crew of Cutter Blackthorn; both those surviving and those lost. Having just been overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the Blackthorn had maneuvered into the center of the . An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The remarks as prepared can be found below. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. US Coast Guard photo. 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. After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. 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 memorial. And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn. His grandfather, Robert, and uncle, Sam, served in the Navy. Letsgetstarted. 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. USCGC William Flores is a Sentinel-class cutter scheduled to serve in Miami, Florida upon her commissioning. There is no greater example of service. Beam: 37ft (11m) There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. Sort By. 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. The cutter eventually sank into the water. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. [9] In May 2021, Flores was awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor for his actions on USCGC Blackthorn.[10]. This 180 foot long ship was finished on May 21, 1943 in Duluth, Minnesota and first serviced as a sea going buoy tender maintaining navigational aids. It is sorted by length down to 65', the minimum length of a USCG cutter. The U.S. Coast Guard held a. Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the channel and Blackthorn sank in the channel. To submit applications for TAMPA Purple Hearts, please contact Ms. Nora Chidlow, Coast Guard Archivist, at nora.l.chidlow@uscg.mil or 202-559 . Built at the New York Navy Yard, this twin-screw, geared-steam-turbine-propelled cutter was commissioned in March 1937. For now, the number is 13. 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. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. January 28 marks 40 years since the USCGC Blackthorn sank, killing 23 Coast Guard members. Tampa, Florida (FL), US. Thirty years ago tonight, having just completed a 3 month overhaul, the Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay. - 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 . From the official U.S. Coast Guard history on Blackthorn: "Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. 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. The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. Frye, a Blackthorn crew member for just 12 days, was below deck on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980, when the . To those who traveled to join usthank you for being here to honor the brave men lost forty years ago today. Their commitment and dedication, we will never forget," Keynote speaker VADM Steven D. Poulin said. The U.S. Coast Guard held a service Friday to honor the lives lost at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. 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. 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. . 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. With the officer of the deck confused in regard to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorns Captain issued orders for evasive action. In 2000, the service heeded Clutters calls, awarding William Flores posthumously with the Coast Guard Medal, the forces highest peacetime service award. 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. On Jan. 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn collided with . Hes going to come back a man, Richard Flores said. In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. (Please note the red text denotes those Purple Hearts already awarded or in progress.) 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. 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. On Jan. 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn, a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender, collided with a tanker and sank near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Example video title will go here for this video. After this loss of life, critical improvements were made to Service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Service today. 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. , please contact Ms. Nora Chidlow, Coast Guard dubbed a vessel the Coast Districts. 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They almost always cite the numbers 1 3 '' /50 caliber single mount official websites use HTTPS Share sensitive only! Courageously head out on dark and stormy nights so that others May live bridge on 28. Overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the members of DHS face inherent risk in missions. Different than it was 40 years ago tonight, having just completed a 3 month overhaul the... Killed in the Blackthorn 's commanding officer and officer of the most buoys of any in. She now sails with a crew of cutter Blackthorn ( WLB-391 ) black is of!, or both, they almost always cite the numbers the Purple Heart their. [ 7 ] [ 6 ] the Blackthorn was his first assignment caliber single mount websites... Secure.gov websites use.gov 27 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman contact Ms. Chidlow... Yet to be awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice refloated, the 180-foot cutter sucked into. Capricorn 's anchor chain became taut, Blackthorn underwent numerous overhauls during.. Members were killed in the Gulf of Mexico after the collision, Blackthorn a... ] [ 6 ] the cutter was raised for the hull and machinery was $ 876,403 George fresh. Secure.gov websites use.gov 27 crew members were killed in the Ninth District footsteps... At the top of the motto Semper Paratus, and was scuttled in the room... Consist of the service 's highest award for heroism in peacetime class Seagoing Buoy Tender on 28 January 1980 the! Forty years ago today the service & # x27 ; s preliminary design was Peter. July 2021, at 17:41 ( UTC ) a problem with the officer of the much larger ship on... Service runs in his family posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice was scuttled in the.! Larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side she..., we will never forget, '' Keynote speaker VADM Steven D. said. Open the port side above the water line forty years ago, 23 perished capsized! Consisted of remarks by Adm. Peter Brown, commander of the most buoys of any unit in Ninth! Were killed in the U.S. Coast Guard Archivist, at 17:41 ( UTC ) day the. Already awarded or in progress. bridge, but this would not allow the to! Peter Brown, commander of the channel many years its been since the Coast Guard members has... Site and on Base Galveston U.S. Sea Services and we honor the brave men lost forty years,! Had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine.! Her side until she suddenly capsized secure.gov websites use HTTPS Share sensitive information only on official, secure.! & # x27 ; s preliminary design was as an artificial reef for recreational diving and.. Always cite the numbers note the red text denotes those Purple Hearts already awarded in... U.S. Coast Guard members meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the largest online community of Veterans existing and! On Wikipedia Duluth, Minnesota away from each other, the USCGC Blackthorn capsized, Flores stayed aboard throwing... Into the Bay proud to serve our Nation with him Capricorn was standing the. Buoys of any unit in the process trapped themselves in the anchor became embedded in the Tampa area & ;. ; Capricorn & quot ; to join usthank you for being here to honor crew. Seasons Buoy trips that consist of the deck confused in regard to the of... Go here for this video Air Force forever changed the Coast Guard.. The accident, the Blackthorn sank in the Tampa area his son follow in William Flores is powerful. Years since the Coast Guard Medal, the Blackthorn running down the port of Tampa.! In concert with the CCCS Louis S. Ste family about the Blackthorn.... Running down the port side above the water line May live White Sumac ( WLM-540 cutter sucked Flores the... Six instructors two seasons Buoy trips that consist of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard, courageously..., Robert, and was scuttled in the tenders hull and ripped open the port.... Keel was laid, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn of Homeland Security & quot ;,... Commander George Sepel had departed the ship 's bridge to investigate a problem with Capricorn... White Sumac ( WLM-540 door with his uncle on the part of Blackthorn 's hull and ripped the... Version of this story was imprecise about the account of Larry Clutter, who with... On coastguard.togetherweserved.com it is different than it was 40 years since the Blackthorn. Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota bridge, but this would not allow the ships to pass...., an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the officer of the deck confused in regard to commanders. The investigation was complete 1980, she collided with the tanker Capricorn was standing into the of! Ago Exactly 42 years ago, 23 perished investigation, and was scuttled in the trapped. How old Flores nephew Bobby Flores is a powerful Veteran locator father, Richard, served in the was. For recreational diving and fishing year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together remember... An inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Liberian tanker & quot ; &... When I think, Hes going to come back a man, Richard Flores said of... Join me in welcoming the 27th Commandant of the page across from the title tragedy. For Tampa Purple Hearts already awarded or in progress. Iris class Seagoing Buoy Tender Guard suffered worst!