Eighteen is how old Flores nephew Bobby Flores is now. 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. The collision occurred in the evening of 28 January 1980, near the junction of Mullet Key and Cut "A" Channels approximately three-quarters of a mile from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay. On January 28th, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn was outbound from Tampa Bay, having just completed a total refit, as the tanker Capricorn was inbound. The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. 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 . After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. List of United States Coast Guard cutters; References. 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 . Clarification: An earlier version of this story was imprecise about the destination of the Blackthorn. [1] [2] [3] An Iris -class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Copyright Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO). 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. External links. 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. The anchor became embedded in the tenders hull and ripped open the port side. Ensign John Ryan had the conn. A Coast Guard Academy graduate, Sepel was among 114 lieutenant commanders . As a result of the collision, the BLACKTHORN was cpasized and sank, and 23 Coast Guardsmen were drowned. One of the 23 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman . Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. A 501c3 nonprofit supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all ranks in the U.S. Sea Services! Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm, were trapped inside the ship. The vessels collided nearly head on, and as a result, Capricorn's port anchor became embedded in Blackthorn's port side. After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. But I put it in Gods hands. Its a surreal fact made stranger by Bobby and Billys striking resemblance. USCGC Blackthorn memorial. Propulsion: 1 electric motor 2 depth-charge tracks Complement: 48Armament: On January 28th, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn was outbound from Tampa Bay, having just completed a total refit, as the tanker Capricorn was inbound. Displacement: 935 long tons (950t) US Coast Guard Historian's Office: 136k: overhead bow view of USCGC White Sumac (WLM-540 . The USCGC Blackthorn capsized which resulted in the death of 23 Coastguardsmen. (Please note the red text denotes those Purple Hearts already awarded or in progress.) All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC Ironwood (WLB-307), were built in Duluth. -Copyright (C) 2003-2011 TogetherWeServed - Though collision was imminent, initial damage was not extensive. Though collision was imminent, initial damage was not extensive however, Capricorns anchor was ready for letting go. Official websites use .gov Their commitment and dedication, we will never forget," Keynote speaker VADM Steven D. Poulin said. Flores statue is the first in the monument to resemble a particular person. 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. The Alexander Hamilton was initially stationed in Oakland, California and performed patrols to the Bering Sea. 4 20 millimeter/80 caliber His family was presented with the Medal on 28 January 2000, the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. His father, Richard, served in the Air Force. 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. Her primary missions are Aids to . He doesnt remember hearing very much about Uncle Billy growing up, even though his family hung a picture of him on the wall. The momentum of the two vessels caused Capricorn's anchor chain to become taut which resulted in the Blackthorn's capsizing. After this loss of life, critical improvements were made to Service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Service today. Twenty-three Blackthorn crew members were killed in the accident, the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. On 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn. The Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the establishment of the . The sea, while often characterized as mysterious and majestic, can be just as dark and treacherous under any circumstances. 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. One of the best known dive sites around Tampa and St Petersburg is the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn (U.S.C.G. Class & type: Iris The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan 28, 1980. USCGC Ironwood (WAGL-297/WLB-297) was a Mesquite-class sea-going buoy tender operated by the United States Coast Guard. 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. Today, we are here to honor one Coast Guard crew in particular, the crew of Cutter Blackthorn. As our nations Coast Guard, you secure our ports and waterways, interdict drug smugglers, lead search and rescue missions, and respond to national emergencies. The USCG Cutter Blackthorn (WAGL-391) was a 180-foot Iris Class Seagoing Buoy Tender. He talked with his family about the account of Larry Clutter, who served with his uncle on the Blackthorn. James Rovolis' brother George was among the crew who lost their lives in the tragedy. Although 27 crewmen . 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. Email your comments! Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the USCGC Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980. 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. My family got a phone call from a neighbor that said 'hey are you watching the morning news,' he recounted. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. Unable to make radio contact with the tender, Capricorns pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. 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. References Even given all of those factors, the initial collision between the two ships wasnt catastrophic. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. James has been coming to the remembrance ceremony for 42 years. Hes going to come back a man, Richard Flores said. Blackthorn sunk at the mouth of Tampa Bay, 28 January 1980. His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. 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. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. January 28 marks 40 years since the USCGC Blackthorn sank, killing 23 Coast Guard members. The brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other. Vote 1 comment Best Add a Comment The Blackthorn lost 23 of its 50 crew . General characteristics Beam: 37ft (11m) Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. 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 family was presented with the Medal on 28 January 2000, the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. Melville USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot sea going buoy tender (WLB). Looking for U.S. government information and services? 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 captain, LCDR George Sepel was on the bridge, but ENS John Ryan had the conn. The Alexander Hamilton was one of the newest ships in the service. Despite the Blackthorn's evasive action, a collision occurred. 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. While the Port of Tampa Bay has always been a valuable port, it is different than it was 40 years ago. 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. 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 Blue Shark (WPB-87360) is an 87-foot (27 m) . 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. In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. For years after the accident, Clutter pushed for the Coast Guard to honor Flores. (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. The Blackthorn sank, taking 23 crewmen with her. Bruce Lafond was drowned when the Blackthorn capsized. But just west of the bridge's twin spans at the mouth of Tampa Bay, the Blackthorn collided with the freighter Capricorn.. 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. 1994- USCGC Polar Sea, in concert with the CCCS Louis S. Ste. Peacetime: None. Cemetery Visibility: Public. 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. And each of them is indelibly stamped into the fabric of our Department. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. Then, the 180-foot cutter sucked Flores into the depths of Tampa Bay. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. 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. Tampa, Florida (FL), US. And in 2012, the Coast Guard dubbed a vessel the Coast Guard Cutter William Flores. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. We cherish and honor the spirit, sacrifice and service of the Blackthorn crew. It tragically sank at 8:20PM on January 28, 1980, at the entrance to Tampa Bay in Florida, near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 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. Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, but ultimately was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. 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. 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. 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. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. No grave photo. Like the rest of the service's aging fleet, Blackthorn underwent numerous overhauls during its. His grandfather, Robert, and uncle, Sam, served in the Navy. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. I have found no finer public servants anywhere in the United States Government. If you served in this unit, reconnect with your, Served in this Buoy Tender? As our nations Coast Guard, you courageously head out on dark and stormy nights so that others may live. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and attended Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas. Length: 180ft (55m) 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. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. UPDATED 6:08 PM ET Jan. 28, 2020. 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. 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. Then as the two ships backed away from each other, the chain became taut. 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. Private. (No one on the Capricorn was harmed.). Thats how many years its been since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history. Having just been overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the Blackthorn had maneuvered into the center of the . The vessels hit almost head-on, with the Blackthorn running down the port side of the much larger tanker. Although 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. 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. The Blackthorn, which was homeported in Galveston, Texas, lost 23 of its 50 crewmembers in the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster. Blackthorn's preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was . [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. It was a typical day at school. In fact, he is the epitome of the motto Semper Paratus, and I am proud to serve our Nation with him. On Jan. 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn, a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender, collided with a tanker and sank near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. He was one of the 23 crew members killed in the tragedy. Twenty-seven others managed to escape. 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. 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