The Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the establishment of the . There is a memorial service being held in St. Petersburg, Florida this morning for the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn. 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. 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. Damage to the Blackthorn from the initial impact was not extensive. The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. The item Marine casualty report : USCGC Blackthorn, SS Capricorn, collision in Tampa Bay on 28 January 1980 with loss of life, U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Board of Investigation report and commandant's action represents a specific, individual, material embodiment of a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Indiana State Library. USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in July 1980. 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. (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. 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. (LockA locked padlock) 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. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. (Some contend that the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other.). Wartime: 1 3"/50 caliber single mount PO1 Subrino I Avila Flowers have been left. So how does Richard Flores feel about seeing his son follow in William Flores footsteps? 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. Every year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost after the collision in Tampa Bay. In 1979-1980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. After two land assignments, he was assigned to the USCGC Blackthorn, a buoy tender. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan 28, 1980. USCGC William Flores is a Sentinel-class cutter scheduled to serve in Miami, Florida upon her commissioning. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. [5][6] Email your comments! Then, the 180-foot cutter sucked Flores into the depths of Tampa Bay. Ensign John Ryan had the conn. The port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision. (On Tuesdays anniversary, the Coast Guard will remember the tragedy with its own event.) On 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. Letsgetstarted. On Thursday, January 28, 2010, Lodge Member Tom Allor represented Detroit Lodge No. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. Her primary missions are Aids to . Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the USCGC Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980. And into the history of our Nation. Installed power: 2 Cooper-Bessemerdiesel engines Displacement: 935 long tons (950t) [1] [2] [3] An Iris -class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. 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 momentum of the two vessels caused Capricorn's anchor chain to become taut which resulted in the Blackthorn's capsizing. Thirty years ago tonight, having just completed a 3 month overhaul, the Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay. Their commitment and dedication, we will never forget," Keynote speaker VADM Steven D. Poulin said. The U.S.C.G. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. 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. 10 Tampa Bay 263K subscribers Subscribe 10 Share 822 views 1 year ago Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S. [1][2][3] All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. Twenty-three Blackthorn crew members were killed in the accident, the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. 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. A Coast Guard Academy graduate, Sepel was among 114 lieutenant commanders . And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the 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. This mission is absolutely critical to facilitating commerce safely. 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. As a result of the collision, the BLACKTHORN was cpasized and sank, and 23 Coast Guardsmen were drowned. 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. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. January 28 marks 40 years since the USCGC Blackthorn sank, killing 23 Coast Guard members. As a result of the impact, the port anchor of Capricornbecame imbedded in Blackthorn'sport side. Currently, the Blackthorn is broken into two pieces and is a very popular dive and fishing site. Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. Just seconds after the slack in the anchor chain became taut, Blackthorn capsized. As the Blackthorn capsized, Flores stayed aboard, throwing life jackets to his fellow seamen. 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. No grave photo. The death toll may likely have been much higher if it weren't for the courage of one crew member whose heroism went unrecognized for over two decades following the tragedy. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. Hes going to take care of him.. The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. courtesy of Wikipedia 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. . Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. The following crew list identifies those individuals who have yet to be awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice. USCG:"On 28 January 1980 at approximately 2021 e.s.t. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and attended Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas. Bobby Flores knows how deep service runs in his family. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. 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. Although 27 crewmen . 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. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. 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. Earlier the cutter had been overtaken by the Kazakhstan, a Russian passenger ship. UPDATED 6:08 PM ET Jan. 28, 2020. 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. NAME: MEMBER STATUS LM denotes Life Member . What: Coast Guard commemorates 40th anniversary of Blackthorn Tragedy, Location: Blackthorn Memorial Site FL-55, the southbound Pinellas County side of the Sunshine Skyway rest area, St. Petersburg, Florida 33752. 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. 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. He drowned about 15 feet away from me, remembered Jeff Huse, a survivor of the Blackthorn. For now, the number is 13. Find USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. 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. An Iris class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Class & type: Iris Thats how old Seaman Apprentice William Flores was when he heroically went down with his ship. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. 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. His grandfather, Robert, and uncle, Sam, served in the Navy. Despite the Blackthorn's evasive action, a collision occurred. 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. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. -Copyright (C) 2003-2011 TogetherWeServed - 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. USCGC Ironwood (WAGL-297/WLB-297) was a Mesquite-class sea-going buoy tender operated by the United States Coast Guard. 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. Its a surreal fact made stranger by Bobby and Billys striking resemblance. In 1979-1980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida and upon completion was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of January 28, 1980. Blackthorn ' s preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the . His family was presented with the Medal on 28 January 2000, the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. 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. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. 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. All of that is according to two government reports. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Earlier they had been overtaken by the Russian passenger ship Kazakhstan, Blackthorn pulled to the side to allow her to pass, when requested, and then continued almost in mid-channel. From the official U.S. Coast Guard history on Blackthorn: "Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn on Jan. 28, 1980, in the biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. 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. Official websites use .gov Momentum from the two vessels caused the Capricorn's port anchor chain to be stretched, capsizing Blackthorn. Then as the two ships backed away from each other, the chain became taut. 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's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the ship's bridge to investigate a problem with the newly-installed propulsion shaft. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. 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. In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. Speed: 13kn(24km/h; 15mph) maximum Unable to make radio contact with the tender, Capricorns pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. 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. 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 Blackthorn lost 23 of its 50 crew . James Rovolis' brother George was among the crew who lost their lives in the tragedy. 223K views 2 years ago #Disaster #History On the 28th of January 1980 the USCGC Blackthorn collided with the SS Capricorn and would go down with nearly half her crew. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot sea going buoy tender (WLB). In fact, he is the epitome of the motto Semper Paratus, and I am proud to serve our Nation with him. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. The vessels hit almost head-on, with the Blackthorn running down the port side of the much larger tanker. '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. 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. 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. Bruce Lafond was drowned when the Blackthorn capsized. U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice William R. Flores was among those killed in the 1980 accident in the waters of Tampa Bay. A lock He allowed even more jackets to float to escaping crew members by propping open a locker door with his own belt. 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. Built at the New York Navy Yard, this twin-screw, geared-steam-turbine-propelled cutter was commissioned in March 1937. All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC Ironwood (WLB-307), were built in Duluth. With the officer of the deck confused in regard to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorns Captain issued orders for evasive action. She served in World War II, . We cherish and honor the spirit, sacrifice and service of the Blackthorn crew. There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. The Blackthorn then navigated to almost mid-channel and resumed course. The anchor became embedded in the tenders hull and ripped open the port side. Like the smaller Marine Protector class she is equipped with a stern launching ramp. Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. ST. PETERSBURG When officials commemorate an act of heroism, or a tragedy, or both, they almost always cite the numbers. Before Mondays ceremony, Bobby Flores read about the Blackthorn on Wikipedia. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. Twenty-three of the Blackthorn's 50 crewmembers lost their lives during the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster. Find your Shipmates on coastguard.togetherweserved.com. Thats how many years its been since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history. 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. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. Every year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost in the collision. 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. Memorials inscribed with the names of the crewmembers who perished stand 2 miles north of the collision site and on Base Galveston. Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. For years after the accident, Clutter pushed for the Coast Guard to honor Flores. Though collision was imminent, initial damage was not extensive. 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. Please join me in welcoming the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz. 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. It was the Capricorns 13,500-pound anchor that sealed the Blackthorns fate. Uncle Billy served in the Coast Guard. Beam: 37ft (11m) 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. 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. One of 40 180-foot buoy tenders built during World War II, Blackthorn was commissioned in 1944. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. 1994- USCGC Polar Sea, in concert with the CCCS Louis S. Ste. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. The remarks as prepared can be found below. The USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a tragic collision near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge of Tampa Bay, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. 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. 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. 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. 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. - 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 . 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. On board, chaos. 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. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. S preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse service and the day, the members DHS... 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