And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn. Flores statue is the first in the monument to resemble a particular person. 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 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. Blackthorn's preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was produced by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth. 11 memorials. 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. 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. Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. Frye, a Blackthorn crew member for just 12 days, was below deck on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980, when the . Earlier the cutter had been overtaken by the Kazakhstan, a Russian passenger ship. But I put it in Gods hands. 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. I was 9 years old. The 935 ton USCGC Blackthorn was built in 1943 at a cost of $876,403. 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, FL The Coast Guard held a memorial service Thursday for the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn collision at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Bobby Flores plans to continue the family tradition as a future member of the Marines. It was a typical day at school. Bruce Lafond was drowned when the Blackthorn capsized. As our nations Coast Guard, you courageously head out on dark and stormy nights so that others may live. 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. 1994- USCGC Polar Sea, in concert with the CCCS Louis S. Ste. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and attended Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas. The ceremony consisted of remarks by Adm. Peter Brown, commander of the 7th Coast Guard . Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942 and 1944. 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 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 of the CAPRICORN became snagged and embedded in the port side of the BLACKTHORN. Blackthorn's preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was . 10 Tampa Bay 263K subscribers Subscribe 10 Share 822 views 1 year ago Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S. USCGC Blackthorn collision: What exactly happened 42 years ago? An Iris class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Unable to make radio contact with Blackthorn, Capricorn's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn on Jan. 28, 1980, in the biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. When requested by Kazakhstan to pass, the Blackthorn navigated starboard permitting Kazakhstan to pass. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. Just seconds after the slack in the anchor chain became taut, Blackthorn capsized. USCGC Ironwood (WAGL-297/WLB-297) was a Mesquite-class sea-going buoy tender operated by the United States Coast Guard. USCG Blackthorn. His grandfather, Robert, and uncle, Sam, served in the Navy. The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. Citizenship And Immigration Services Ombudsman, This page was not helpful because the content, Acting Secretary Wolf Commemorates USCG Blackthorn Memorial. Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the channel and Blackthorn sank in the channel. Displacement: 935 long tons (950t) Laurent, became the The marine board found evidence of violation of various navigation laws on the parts of Capricorn's master and pilot. 4 20 millimeter/80 caliber Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? External links. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. Though collision was imminent, initial damage was not extensive however, Capricorns anchor was ready for letting go. 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. Sources cite both "Willy" and "Billy" as nicknames, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FuQnAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PVoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5487%2C4950715, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FuQnAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PVoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6801,5003607, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UWdQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qFgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5047,2072390&hl=en, "Skipper Pleads Fifth Amendment; Attorney Requests Immunity", http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UmdQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qFgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7108,2497103&hl=en, "Getting his due Coast Guard hero receives honor posthumously", http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ST&s_site=dfw&p_multi=ST&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF9298B7BF1FC5&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM, http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.star-telegram.com%2F2011%2F11%2F26%2F3552733%2Fnew-coast-guard-cutter-bears-name.html&date=2011-12-02, National Park Service Report on the 180-foot (55m) buoy tenders, "U.S. Coast Guard Sea-going & Coastal Buoy Tenders, 1939-2000", http://www.uscg.mil/history/WEBCUTTERS/WLB_Photo_Index.asp, Article about 20th Anniversary of the sinking, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation, Duluth, Minnesota, 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph). But just west of the bridge's twin spans at the mouth of Tampa Bay, the Blackthorn collided with the freighter Capricorn.. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. 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. 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. 1 May 1948 - 28 Jan 1980. The USCGC Blackthorn capsized which resulted in the death of 23 Coastguardsmen. (The Coast Guard Tug Association WILL NOT provide or "sell" its Member List and contact information to any other organization without proper authority) CGTA MEMBERSHIP. He was one of the 23 crew members killed in the tragedy. Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. Twenty-three Blackthorn crew members were killed in the accident, the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. Installed power: 2 Cooper-Bessemerdiesel engines These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. The Blackthorn sank, taking 23 crewmen with her. For years after the accident, Clutter pushed for the Coast Guard to honor Flores. The Alexander Hamilton was initially stationed in Oakland, California and performed patrols to the Bering Sea. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. The BUCKTHORN works two seasons buoy trips that consist of the most buoys of any unit in the Ninth District. 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. Melville USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot sea going buoy tender (WLB). [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. The captain, LCDR George Sepel was on the bridge, but ENS John Ryan had the conn. In 1979-1980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. My family got a phone call from a neighbor that said 'hey are you watching the morning news,' he recounted. Blackthorn). On board, chaos. The sea, while often characterized as mysterious and majestic, can be just as dark and treacherous under any circumstances. Her normal sailing complement is 16 personnel. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. 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. One of the best known dive sites around Tampa and St Petersburg is the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn (U.S.C.G. Theres some anxiety when I think, Hes going off to boot camp. 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. As a result of the impact, the port anchor of Capricornbecame imbedded in Blackthorn'sport side. 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. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - On January 28, 1980, the Coast Guard buoy tender Blackthorn passed under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the black of night. A memorial ceremony honoring the lives lost . [1][2][3] An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. She was used as an ice breaker in the Great Lakes. 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. 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. WASHINGTON Today, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F. Wolf and U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz delivered remarks at the United States Coast Guard memorial service for the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn in St. Petersburgh, Florida. 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. 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. One of the 23 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman . USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot sea going buoy tender (WLB). The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. Families of crew members of the Coast Guard . On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. The remarks as prepared can be found below. [1][2][3] On January 28th, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn was outbound from Tampa Bay, having just completed a total refit, as the tanker Capricorn was inbound. Richard Flores, one year older than Billy, has seen his son Bobby, a high school senior in Texas, grow older than his heroic brother. Coast Guardsmen and women today are still performing this vital mission here in the Port of Tampa. 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. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. He allowed even more jackets to float to escaping crew members by propping open a locker door with his own belt. Ironwood participated in the Fleet Week celebrations in Portland, Oregon in 2017. After this loss of life, critical improvements were made to Service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Service today. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. For now, the number is 13. The Blackthorn then navigated to almost mid-channel and resumed course. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. The vessels hit almost head-on, with the Blackthorn running down the port side of the much larger tanker. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. 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. Our Coast Guardsmen and women know this reality very well. 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. Water began gushing into the Blackthorn. Like the rest of the service's aging fleet, Blackthorn underwent numerous overhauls during its. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. It was the Capricorns 13,500-pound anchor that sealed the Blackthorns fate. 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. And each of them is indelibly stamped into the fabric of our Department. 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