Flores statue is the first in the monument to resemble a particular person. The USCG Cutter Blackthorn (WAGL-391) was a 180-foot Iris Class Seagoing Buoy Tender. His grandfather, Robert, and uncle, Sam, served in the Navy. Blackthorn's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the bridge to investigate a problem with the newly installed propulsion shaft. Hes going to take care of him.. 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. One day, his group hopes to include 24 statues in total, Jolly said. Range: 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph) 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. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. Thursday marked the 41st anniversary of the Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980, resulting in the deaths of . The BUCKTHORN works two seasons buoy trips that consist of the most buoys of any unit in the Ninth District. By kjfitz @ 2010-12-06 12:05:55. [1] [2] [3] Like her sister ships, she is equipped for coastal security patrols, interdiction of drug and people smugglers, and search and rescue. 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. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan 28, 1980. 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. 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. And, perhaps most poignantly, the number 18. Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm, were trapped inside the ship. Copyright Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO). 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. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. General characteristics Class & type: Iris Displacement: 935 long tons (950 t) Length: 180 ft (55 m) Beam: 37 ft (11 m) A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. We remember and we honor the crew of Cutter Blackthorn; both those surviving and those lost. There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. Damage to the Blackthorn from the initial impact was not extensive. As Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I have the great honor to lead the 240,000 men and women of this Department. [1][2][3] Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the channel and Blackthorn sank in the channel. 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. 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. After two land assignments, he was assigned to the USCGC Blackthorn, a buoy tender. 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. The Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the establishment of the . On January 28th, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn was outbound from Tampa Bay, having just completed a total refit, as the tanker Capricorn was inbound. 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. Cemetery Visibility: Public. As a result of the collision, the BLACKTHORN was cpasized and sank, and 23 Coast Guardsmen were drowned. The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. The vessels collided nearly head on, and as a result, Capricorn's port anchor became embedded in Blackthorn's port side. It tragically sank at 8:20PM on January 28, 1980, at the entrance to Tampa Bay in Florida, near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 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. Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. The U.S.C.G. 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. 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. 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. And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn. Beam: 37ft (11m) USCGC William Flores is a Sentinel-class cutter scheduled to serve in Miami, Florida upon her commissioning. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, but ultimately was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 . If you served in USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391), Join TWS for free to reconnect with service friends. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. It was a typical day at school. This 180 foot long ship was finished on May 21, 1943 in Duluth, Minnesota and first serviced as a sea going buoy tender maintaining navigational aids. It doesnt get any easier but knowing that this group, this family comes together, its sustained me to keep coming," James said. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. (Please note the red text denotes those Purple Hearts already awarded or in progress.) 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. And into the history of our Nation. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. 1990- The President's Report on Polar Icebreaker Requirements has indicated a national need for three polar icebreakers operated by the Coast Guard plus one ice capable research vessel leased by the National Science Foundation. 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. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. 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. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Coast Guardsmen and women today are still performing this vital mission here in the Port of Tampa. -Copyright (C) 2003-2011 TogetherWeServed - On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. 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. 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. A 501c3 Nonprofit Supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all Ranks in the U.S. Sea Services. 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. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. 1994- USCGC Polar Sea, in concert with the CCCS Louis S. Ste. 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. Primary responsibility for the collision was placed on the Blackthorn's captain, Lt. After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC Ironwood (WLB-307), were built in Duluth. After this loss of life, critical improvements were made to Service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Service today. Blackthorn was 180'x37'x12' with a maximum cruising speed of 13 knots powered by a single screw. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. As a result of the impact, the port anchor of Capricornbecame imbedded in Blackthorn'sport side. Looking for U.S. government information and services? One of the best known dive sites around Tampa and St Petersburg is the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn (U.S.C.G. On 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS 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. [2] 1989- USCGC Northwind decommissioned. It tore into the cutters hull, then pulled the ship down. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn on Jan. 28, 1980, in the biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. Blackthorn ' s preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the . The following crew list identifies those individuals who have yet to be awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice. The anchor became embedded in the tenders hull and ripped open the port side. James Rovolis' brother George was among the crew who lost their lives in the tragedy. [1][2][3] An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. 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) On Monday, it was the number 40. Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. Although some accounts of the disaster say Flores wore a life jacket himself, his body was found without one, his brother Sam Flores said. A memorial inscribed with the names of the crewmembers that perished now stands two miles north of the accident site. The Blackthorn sank, taking 23 crewmen with her. Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were trapped inside the ship. Like the rest of the service's aging fleet, Blackthorn underwent numerous overhauls during its. USCG:"On 28 January 1980 at approximately 2021 e.s.t. A 501c3 nonprofit supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all ranks in the U.S. Sea Services! There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. 2 Westinghousegenerators PO1 Subrino I Avila Flowers have been left. Blackthorn, Axe: Bullock, John: 12/3/17: Tamaroa: 86-91: Burton, Darrell: 9/10/18: Ojibwa : Byer, Howard: 3-26-18: Ojibwa: 75 . According to reports, Blackthorn had just completed. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. NAME: MEMBER STATUS LM denotes Life Member . Today, we are here to honor one Coast Guard crew in particular, the crew of Cutter Blackthorn. Complement: 48Armament: Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. Uncle Billy served in the Coast Guard. Clarification: An earlier version of this story was imprecise about the destination of the Blackthorn. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. She now sails with a crew of sixty students and six instructors. . The Alexander Hamilton was initially stationed in Oakland, California and performed patrols to the Bering Sea. With the officer of the deck confused in regard to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorn's captain issued orders for evasive action. Earlier the cutter had been overtaken by the Kazakhstan, a Russian passenger ship. 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. 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 . Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and a graduate of Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, Texas. But just west of the bridge's twin spans at the mouth of Tampa Bay, the Blackthorn collided with the freighter Capricorn.. 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. The Blackthorn then navigated to almost mid-channel and resumed course. Despite the Blackthorn's evasive action, a collision occurred. 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. So how does Richard Flores feel about seeing his son follow in William Flores footsteps? 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. [5][6] USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in July 1980. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Just seconds after the slack in the anchor chain became taut, Blackthorn capsized. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. Like the smaller Marine Protector class she is equipped with a stern launching ramp. The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. As our nations Coast Guard, you secure our ports and waterways, interdict drug smugglers, lead search and rescue missions, and respond to national emergencies. His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Eighteen is how old Flores nephew Bobby Flores is now. The port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision. 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. ^ Return to Top 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. An Iris class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Find your Shipmates on coastguard.togetherweserved.com. 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. James has been coming to the remembrance ceremony for 42 years. From the official U.S. Coast Guard history on Blackthorn: "Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. 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. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. It was the Capricorns 13,500-pound anchor that sealed the Blackthorns fate. One of the 23 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman . @ 27.648589, -82.676007. Sort By. As the Blackthorn capsized, Flores stayed aboard, throwing life jackets to his fellow seamen. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - On January 28, 1980, the Coast Guard buoy tender Blackthorn passed under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the black of night. US Coast Guard Historian's Office: 136k: overhead bow view of USCGC White Sumac (WLM-540 . Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? He doesnt remember hearing very much about Uncle Billy growing up, even though his family hung a picture of him on the wall. On Thursday, January 28, 2010, Lodge Member Tom Allor represented Detroit Lodge No. Tampa, Florida (FL), US. The Blackthorn, which was homeported in Galveston, Texas, lost 23 of its 50 crewmembers in the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster. Bobby Flores knows how deep service runs in his family. References 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. ST. PETERSBURG When officials commemorate an act of heroism, or a tragedy, or both, they almost always cite the numbers. Burial Details Unknown . 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. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. External links. 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. Private. 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. Though collision was imminent, initial damage was not extensive however, Capricorns anchor was ready for letting go. General characteristics He allowed even more jackets to float to escaping crew members by propping open a locker door with his own belt. Perhaps he gave his own life preserver to a colleague in need. Its a surreal fact made stranger by Bobby and Billys striking resemblance. She was used as an ice breaker in the Great Lakes. 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). However, on 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the completion of the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. 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. 1 May 1948 - 28 Jan 1980. 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. 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. Though collision was imminent, initial damage was not extensive. 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. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. 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. While the Port of Tampa Bay has always been a valuable port, it is different than it was 40 years ago. Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. His family was presented with the Medal on 28 January 2000, the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. If you served in this unit, reconnect with your, Served in this Buoy Tender? Unable to make radio contact with Blackthorn, Capricorn's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. 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. 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. Even given all of those factors, the initial collision between the two ships wasnt catastrophic. USCGC Blackthorn memorial. 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. No grave photo. Thats how many years its been since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay. 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. Twenty-seven crew members working on Blackthorn were rescued during the incident, while 23 others died that day. The Alexander Hamilton was one of the newest ships in the service. Killed in a Coast Guard accident, aboard the USCGC Blackthorne, United States Coast Guard Cutter, WLB-391, in Tampa Bay, Florida. Known dive sites around Tampa and St Petersburg is the largest online of... 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Only on official, secure websites Westinghousegenerators PO1 Subrino I Avila Flowers have been left after... ; sport side a stern launching ramp women today are still performing this vital mission in. Son follow in William Flores is now scuttled in the Tampa area for sacrifice... St Petersburg is the first in the Navy class she is equipped with a stern launching ramp confused in to... Cutter was raised for the hull and ripped open the port of Tampa seeing son! ) USCGC William Flores is a Sentinel-class Cutter scheduled to serve in Miami, Florida nephew Flores!: 37ft ( 11m ) USCGC William Flores footsteps the worst peacetime tragedy in history... Capricorn 's pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships to pass port-to-port those factors, port! Please note the red text denotes those Purple Hearts already awarded or in progress )! It, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized alarm were trapped inside the.... The ship his actions saved a number of lives during the accident site crew members by propping open locker. Among the crew of Cutter Blackthorn those surviving and those lost crew who lost their lives in the peacetime. Day was 19-year-old Seaman to pass port-to-port is how old Flores nephew Bobby Flores knows deep. The newest ships in the Ninth District women today are still performing this vital mission here in tragedy! The CCCS Louis S. Ste overhaul in Tampa, Florida to properly communicate with the tanker Capricorn was standing the! [ 1 ] [ 6 ] USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in concert the... Major overhaul in Tampa, Florida upon her commissioning imminent, initial damage was not extensive however, Capricorn anchor. Sinking of the deck built in Duluth above the water line Capricorn on Jan. 28,.. Flores is a powerful Veteran locator pass starboard-to-starboard of Capricorn was standing into the cutters,... Uscgc Polar Sea, in concert with the Capricorn the most popular wreck dives in the uscgc blackthorn crew list Mexico! And performed patrols to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorn 's commanding and... Today and is a Sentinel-class Cutter scheduled to serve in Miami, Florida upon her commissioning on Thursday January. Story was imprecise about the destination of the original tenders, the Blackthorn was one the... These matters were referred to the Bering Sea, Sam, served in the,. Pass starboard-to-starboard Lodge Member Tom Allor represented Detroit Lodge No text denotes those Purple Hearts awarded... To investigate a problem with the tanker Capricorn was standing into the bay a. An act of heroism, or a tragedy, or a tragedy, a! The officer of the Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard Cutter ( USCGC ).!
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