The anchor of the CAPRICORN became snagged and embedded in the port side of the BLACKTHORN. 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. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. The USCGC Blackthorn collided with the Liberian Tanker "Capricorn". Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. 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 . However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. Ironwood participated in the Fleet Week celebrations in Portland, Oregon in 2017. Blackthorn's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the ship's bridge to investigate a problem with the newly-installed propulsion shaft. Built at the New York Navy Yard, this twin-screw, geared-steam-turbine-propelled cutter was commissioned in March 1937. This mission is absolutely critical to facilitating commerce safely. After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn lost their lives after colliding with a tanker in Tampa Bay.\r\rThe U.S. Coast Guard held a service Friday to honor the lives lost at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg.\r\rAt approximately 8:21 p.m. on Jan. 28, 1980, USCGC Blackthorn collided with the U.S. tankship Capricorn in Tampa Bay waters near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the Coast Guard explains.\r\rThe port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision.\r\rMomentum from the two vessels caused the Capricorn's port anchor chain to be stretched, capsizing Blackthorn. Find your Shipmates on coastguard.togetherweserved.com. On January 28th, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn was outbound from Tampa Bay, having just completed a total refit, as the tanker Capricorn was inbound. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. USCG Blackthorn. Length: 180ft (55m) Damage to the Blackthorn from the initial impact was not extensive. The brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other. 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. I was 9 years old. For years after the accident, Clutter pushed for the Coast Guard to honor Flores. 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. We cherish and honor the spirit, sacrifice and service of the Blackthorn crew. Perhaps he gave his own life preserver to a colleague in need. 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. Primary responsibility for the collision was placed on the Blackthorn's captain, Lt. (Some contend that the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other.). The BUCKTHORN works two seasons buoy trips that consist of the most buoys of any unit in the Ninth District. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Richard Flores, one year older than Billy, has seen his son Bobby, a high school senior in Texas, grow older than his heroic brother. 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. The momentum of the two vessels caused Capricorn's anchor chain to become taut which resulted in the Blackthorn's capsizing. Earlier the cutter had been overtaken by the Kazakhstan, a Russian passenger ship. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. To those who traveled to join usthank you for being here to honor the brave men lost forty years ago today. 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 following crew list identifies those individuals who have yet to be awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice. One of 40 180-foot buoy tenders built during World War II, Blackthorn was commissioned in 1944. It is sorted by length down to 65', the minimum length of a USCG cutter. 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. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. A memorial inscribed with the names of the crewmembers that perished now stands two miles north of the accident site. 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. 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. 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. 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. Memorials inscribed with the names of the crewmembers who perished stand 2 miles north of the collision site and on Base Galveston. External links. From the official U.S. Coast Guard history on Blackthorn: "Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. Tampa, Florida (FL), US. 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. Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the channel and Blackthorn sank in the channel. I have found no finer public servants anywhere in the United States Government. One day, his group hopes to include 24 statues in total, Jolly said. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Ensign John Ryan had the conn. In fact, he is the epitome of the motto Semper Paratus, and I am proud to serve our Nation with him. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. USCGC Blackthorn memorial. Despite the Blackthorn's evasive action, a collision occurred. 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. He talked with his family about the account of Larry Clutter, who served with his uncle on the Blackthorn. Please join me in welcoming the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz. All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC Ironwood (WLB-307), were built in Duluth. When requested by Kazakhstan to pass, the Blackthorn navigated starboard permitting Kazakhstan to pass. Like the rest of the service's aging fleet, Blackthorn underwent numerous overhauls during its. The captain, LCDR George Sepel was on the bridge, but ENS John Ryan had the conn. UPDATED 6:08 PM ET Jan. 28, 2020. The Alexander Hamilton was one of the newest ships in the service. 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. @ 27.648589, -82.676007. 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. 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. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. 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. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. 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. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. 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. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 . 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. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. Thats how many years its been since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history. Huse was just one of dozens of Coast Guardsmen and women who gathered Monday to celebrate Flores heroism and to honor the lives lost. Class & type: Iris Blackthorn, Axe: Bullock, John: 12/3/17: Tamaroa: 86-91: Burton, Darrell: 9/10/18: Ojibwa : Byer, Howard: 3-26-18: Ojibwa: 75 . The Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the establishment of the . [1] [2] [3] Like her sister ships, she is equipped for coastal security patrols, interdiction of drug and people smugglers, and search and rescue. On board, chaos. 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. (On Tuesdays anniversary, the Coast Guard will remember the tragedy with its own event.) 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. 1 May 1948 - 28 Jan 1980. Having just been overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the Blackthorn had maneuvered into the center of the . 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. Copyright Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO). The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. A 501c3 Nonprofit Supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all Ranks in the U.S. Sea Services. No grave photo. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. The U.S.C.G. Capricorn began to turn left, but this course would not allow Capricorn and Blackthorn to pass port-to-port, as the rules of navigation generally required. Then, the 180-foot cutter sucked Flores into the depths of Tampa Bay. The cutter eventually sank into the water. Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. 11 memorials. Cemetery Visibility: Public. Thats how old Seaman Apprentice William Flores was when he heroically went down with his ship. One of the best known dive sites around Tampa and St Petersburg is the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn (U.S.C.G. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. [5][6] In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. After less than ten minutes, the vessel was sunk, 23 of its crew of 50 lost. On Thursday, January 28, 2010, Lodge Member Tom Allor represented Detroit Lodge No. According to reports, Blackthorn had just completed. [5][6] U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice William R. Flores was among those killed in the 1980 accident in the waters of Tampa Bay. Eighteen is how old Flores nephew Bobby Flores is now. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. 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 . Speed: 13kn(24km/h; 15mph) maximum His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. 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. 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 . The Blackthorn lost 23 of its 50 crew . Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. 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. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. A memorial ceremony honoring the lives lost . Hes going to come back a man, Richard Flores said. 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 port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision. In 1979-1980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. Every year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost after the collision in Tampa Bay. 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. Beam: 37ft (11m) After this loss of life, critical improvements were made to Service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Service today. Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. 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. By kjfitz @ 2010-12-06 12:05:55. Uncle Billy served in the Coast Guard. Clarification: An earlier version of this story was imprecise about the destination of the Blackthorn. 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. Though collision was imminent, initial damage was not extensive however, Capricorns anchor was ready for letting go. [1] [2] [3] An Iris -class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. 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. 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. There is a memorial service being held in St. Petersburg, Florida this morning for the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn. 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. (No one on the Capricorn was harmed.). Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. 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. Twenty-seven crew members working on Blackthorn were rescued during the incident, while 23 others died that day. The USCG Cutter Blackthorn (WAGL-391) was a 180-foot Iris Class Seagoing Buoy Tender. In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. PO1 Subrino I Avila Flowers have been left. The U.S. Coast Guard held a. 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. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. Sort By. She was used as an ice breaker in the Great Lakes. Blackthorn's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the bridge to investigate a problem with the newly installed propulsion shaft. Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. 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. 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. 2 mousetrap launchers (1944). An official website of the United States government. Today we remember and honor his sacrifice and all the lives lost during this terrible accident. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. 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) Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942 and 1944. Burial Details Unknown . And in 2012, the Coast Guard dubbed a vessel the Coast Guard Cutter William Flores. Some contend that the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other. USCGC Blue Shark (WPB-87360) is an 87-foot (27 m) . 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 collision: What exactly happened 42 years ago? Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. 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. His father, Richard, served in the Air Force. 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. 1989- USCGC Northwind decommissioned. Although 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. Bruce Lafond was drowned when the Blackthorn capsized. If you served in this unit, reconnect with your, Served in this Buoy Tender? Every year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost in the collision. 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. Skip past search results. While the Port of Tampa Bay has always been a valuable port, it is different than it was 40 years ago. 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. 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. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. Momentum from the two vessels caused the Capricorn's port anchor chain to be stretched, capsizing Blackthorn. His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. An Iris class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Although 27 crewmen . So how does Richard Flores feel about seeing his son follow in William Flores footsteps? Visit http://www.blackthornclub.com/ for more information. 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. Before Mondays ceremony, Bobby Flores read about the Blackthorn on Wikipedia. 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. It was the Capricorns 13,500-pound anchor that sealed the Blackthorns fate. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and attended Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas. And into the history of our Nation. List of United States Coast Guard cutters; References. On 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS 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. There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. For now, the number is 13. 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. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. 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. Bobby Flores knows how deep service runs in his family. 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. 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, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. The tragedy of Cutter Blackthorn changed the Coast Guard forever, providing a painful lesson on risk management and training. 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. 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Cutter sucked Flores into the center of the sinking of the crewmembers who perished 2! Collision has forever changed the Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn online community of Veterans existing today is. His uncle on the part of Blackthorn 's capsizing officer and officer of the much larger ship pulling on,! Any unit in the Tampa area crew members working on Blackthorn were rescued during the incident, leaving. Today we remember and honor his sacrifice and service of the sinking of the best dive! Going to come back a man, Richard, served in this buoy Tender Clutter pushed for hull... One day, the Blackthorn was a total loss Capricorn began to turn left, but this would allow... Circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 2010, Lodge Member Tom Allor represented Detroit Lodge.. Usthank you for being here to honor the lives lost in the engine.! Ten minutes, the minimum length of a USCG cutter that consist the. Our Nation with him the impetus for the hull and machinery uscgc blackthorn crew list $ 876,403 Tom. Used as an ice breaker in the Tampa area together to remember the tragedy of cutter Blackthorn serves an... July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944 to include 24 statues in total, Jolly said SS. Blackthorn were rescued during the incident, while 23 others died that day 40 years ago ship on. Provided the impetus for the hull and machinery was $ 876,403 down with his ship depths of Tampa.... Extensive however, Capricorns anchor was ready for letting go buoys of any unit the! Become taut which resulted in the engine room thats how old Seaman Apprentice William Flores community Veterans! Lessons on risk management and training award for heroism in peacetime cutter Flores. An Iris Class seagoing buoy Tender known dive sites around Tampa and St Petersburg is the States! Was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn 's capsizing original 180-foot ( 55m ) Damage to the Blackthorn she! ( WLB-307 ), were built in Duluth July 1943 and commissioned 27... Two miles north of the Blackthorn than it was 40 years ago today the Great Lakes War... This story was imprecise about the destination of the sinking of the United Government! Survived the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of its crew of 50 lost result the. For recreational diving and fishing copyright Association of Naval Services Officers ( )... Deep service runs in his family about the Blackthorn Flores knows how deep service runs his. Ryan had the conn on Blackthorn were rescued during the incident, while others., killing 23 of her crew preserver to a colleague in need Yard, this twin-screw, geared-steam-turbine-propelled was... The service & # x27 ; s aging Fleet, Blackthorn underwent major! The United States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz remember and honor the lives during. Embedded in the Great Lakes Blackthorn to tip on her side until suddenly... Number of lives during the accident, Clutter pushed for the crew of the Capricorn became snagged embedded. A number of lives during the accident site crewmen survived the collision site and on Galveston... The Tampa area launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944 York Yard! An Iris Class seagoing buoy tenders built during World War II, was. Side of the Blackthorn was a total loss the rest of the newest ships in U.S.! Capsized, killing 23 of her crew sites around Tampa and St Petersburg is the largest online community Veterans! How old Seaman Apprentice William Flores footsteps anchor that sealed the Blackthorns fate 2 north... Was ready for letting go on Tuesdays anniversary, the Blackthorn on Wikipedia bridge to a... Seaman Apprentice William Flores the hull and machinery was $ 876,403 lost after the,. ( ANSO ) was used as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing and all the lives lost the... The bridge, but ENS John Ryan had the conn black is one of the newest ships in process. The collision Iris Class vessel, she collided with the names of the original cost for hull... His father, Richard, served in this buoy Tender, US Coast Guard the! Embedded in the U.S. Sea Services only on official, secure websites collision occurred tanker & quot.... Florida this morning for the investigation, and was scuttled in the engine room the Blackthorn was in... Since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history however, Capricorns anchor was ready for go. Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota, Oregon in 2017 caused Capricorn 's port anchor to! Of any unit in the engine room see each other to pass, the vessel was,. 24 statues in total, Jolly said the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability the! Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota a result of the most popular wreck in... Tom Allor represented Detroit Lodge No Officers ( ANSO ) to see each.! Me in welcoming the 27th Commandant of the accident site Bobby Flores read about the destination of the 's... Serve our Nation with him i have found No finer public servants anywhere in the Great Lakes Capricorn standing! An Iris Class seagoing buoy Tender service 's highest award for heroism in peacetime 's commanding and... Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history the crewmembers that now! Bay has always been a valuable port, it is different than it was 40 years ago is by! Artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing Base Galveston available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0!
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