Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. 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. UPDATED 6:08 PM ET Jan. 28, 2020. But I put it in Gods hands. She was used as an ice breaker in the Great Lakes. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Earlier the cutter had been overtaken by the Kazakhstan, a Russian passenger ship. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. It was a typical day at school. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. With the officer of the deck confused in regard to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorn's captain issued orders for evasive action. Damage to the Blackthorn from the initial impact was not extensive. Sort By. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. On Monday, it was the number 40. 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. 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. 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. Our Coast Guardsmen and women know this reality very well. 2 depth-charge tracks These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. The USCG Cutter Blackthorn (WAGL-391) was a 180-foot Iris Class Seagoing Buoy Tender. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. Speed: 13kn(24km/h; 15mph) maximum The board determined that the cause of the collision was the failure of both vessels to keep well to the side of the channel which lay on each ship's starboard (right) sides. I was 9 years old. Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. 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. 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. 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. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. [9] In May 2021, Flores was awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor for his actions on USCGC Blackthorn.[10]. 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. Killed in a Coast Guard accident, aboard the USCGC Blackthorne, United States Coast Guard Cutter, WLB-391, in Tampa Bay, Florida. [7][8] The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan 28, 1980. USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in July 1980. After less than ten minutes, the vessel was sunk, 23 of its crew of 50 lost. Twenty-seven of the 50 Blackthorn crew members were rescued. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. ^ Return to Top 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. '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. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Class & type: Iris Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. 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. 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 board, chaos. 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. Bobby Flores knows how deep service runs in his family. 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. The tragedy of Cutter Blackthorn changed the Coast Guard forever, providing a painful lesson on risk management and training. 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. Thats how many years its been since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history. Although some accounts of the disaster say Flores wore a life jacket himself, his body was found without one, his brother Sam Flores said. Families of crew members of the Coast Guard . -Copyright (C) 2003-2011 TogetherWeServed - We remember and we honor the crew of Cutter Blackthorn; both those surviving and those lost. Bruce Lafond was drowned when the Blackthorn capsized. To those who traveled to join usthank you for being here to honor the brave men lost forty years ago today. 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. As our nations Coast Guard, you courageously head out on dark and stormy nights so that others may live. So how does Richard Flores feel about seeing his son follow in William Flores footsteps? 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 Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities.An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. 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. 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. [1][2][3] 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. Range: 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph) Blackthorn was 180'x37'x12' with a maximum cruising speed of 13 knots powered by a single screw. 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. She served in World War II, . 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. 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. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - On January 28, 1980, the Coast Guard buoy tender Blackthorn passed under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the black of night. Laurent, became the General characteristics USCGC Blackthorn memorial. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. The Alexander Hamilton was one of the newest ships in the service. Twenty-three Blackthorn crew members were killed in the accident, the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. 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. In fact, he is the epitome of the motto Semper Paratus, and I am proud to serve our Nation with him. 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. The USCGC Blackthorn capsized which resulted in the death of 23 Coastguardsmen. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. I have found no finer public servants anywhere in the United States Government. Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the USCGC Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980. Twenty-seven others managed to escape. Complement: 48Armament: Just seconds after the slack in the anchor chain became taut, Blackthorn capsized. The BUCKTHORN works two seasons buoy trips that consist of the most buoys of any unit in the Ninth District. It doesnt get any easier but knowing that this group, this family comes together, its sustained me to keep coming," James said. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn on Jan. 28, 1980, in the biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. By kjfitz @ 2010-12-06 12:05:55. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and a graduate of Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, Texas. A memorial ceremony honoring the lives lost . 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. If you served in this unit, reconnect with your, Served in this Buoy Tender? An official website of the United States government. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. January 28 marks 40 years since the USCGC Blackthorn sank, killing 23 Coast Guard members. The U.S.C.G. 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. Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! 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. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. He drowned about 15 feet away from me, remembered Jeff Huse, a survivor of the Blackthorn. courtesy of Wikipedia 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. There is no greater example of service. 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. 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[5][6] In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. US Coast Guard photo. [1] [2] [3] An Iris -class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Blackthorn's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the bridge to investigate a problem with the newly installed propulsion shaft. As our nations Coast Guard, you secure our ports and waterways, interdict drug smugglers, lead search and rescue missions, and respond to national emergencies. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. The marine board found evidence of violation of various navigation laws on the parts of Capricorn's master and pilot. Even given all of those factors, the initial collision between the two ships wasnt catastrophic. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. He allowed even more jackets to float to escaping crew members by propping open a locker door with his own belt. If you served in USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391), Join TWS for free to reconnect with service friends. 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. As a result of the impact, the port anchor of Capricornbecame imbedded in Blackthorn'sport side. . 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. According to reports, Blackthorn had just completed. 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. (Some contend that the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other.). Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the channel and Blackthorn sank in the channel. Visit http://www.blackthornclub.com/ for more information. (On Tuesdays anniversary, the Coast Guard will remember the tragedy with its own event.) All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The. USCG Blackthorn. The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. Unable to make radio contact with Blackthorn, Capricorn's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. 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. The Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the establishment of the . 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. Its still in service today. Skip past search results. 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. And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. No grave photo. Her primary missions are Aids to . The marine board found evidence of violation of various navigation laws on the parts of Capricorn's master and pilot. 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. 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. On 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. The vessels hit almost head-on, with the Blackthorn running down the port side of the much larger tanker. 2 Westinghousegenerators 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. After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. (Please note the red text denotes those Purple Hearts already awarded or in progress.) ST. PETERSBURG When officials commemorate an act of heroism, or a tragedy, or both, they almost always cite the numbers. Wartime: 1 3"/50 caliber single mount Commander Sepel, as he had made an inexperienced junior officer (Ensign Ryan) officer of the deck and allowed him to navigate the ship through an unfamiliar waterway with heavy traffic. 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. Letsgetstarted. Installed power: 2 Cooper-Bessemerdiesel engines In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. Then as the two ships backed away from each other, the chain became taut. References ST. PETERSBURG, FL The Coast Guard held a memorial service Thursday for the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn collision at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg. Blackthorn capsized which resulted in the Ninth District leaving Tampa bay after the collision, Blackthorn capsized killing... 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