Negligent Navigation: The Tragedy of USCGC Blackthorn

Cutter Blackthorn was lost on Monday January 28, 1980 when it collided with Tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay. This event lead to sweeping safety changes for the US Coast Guard and the Maritime World in general.
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*Views presented are my own and the appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), NTSB & any other entities' visual information does not imply nor constitute their endorsement.
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▶Timestamps:
00:00 Opening
1:02 What is a Buoy Tending Cutter?
2:42 Brief History of USCGC Blackthorn WLB-391
4:48 Brief History of Tanker Capricorn
6:55 Capricorn Crew Complement on the Day
7:47 Why Did the Blackthorn Visit Gulf Tampa Drydock?
8:39 Blackthorn Crew Complement on the Day
10:27 Tampa Bay, The Sunshine Skyway, Ship Channels & Ship Pilots
13:21 The Day of Collision - Monday January 28 1980
34:19 The Collision Creates Unexpected Chaos
42:23 Unexpected Rescue Arrives Quickly
49:28 SA Flores; Selfless Hero
50:43 NTSB & USCG Joint Investigation
57:48 NTSB Recommendations & Lessons Learned
1:08:41 Vessel Fates
1:09:40 We Salute You SA Flores
1:11:10 TAPS
1:12:13 Closing Thoughts
▶ A B O U T
Hey, I'm Sam! Full Time Parent & Creator. With a background in Workplace Safety Instruction, Logistics/Supply Chain Management & Industrial Robotics Programming/Engineering.
Cooperation, Compassion and Critical Thinking are vital!
Your Safety Matters.
#Maritime #Safety #YourSafetyMatters

[@BrickImmortar]

▶GROUND NEWS: Staying better informed is the key to critical thinking. Get 30% off your subscription at ground.news/brickimmortar Projects this in-depth require much time and support and I wouldn't be able to make these, at this level of quality without such a wonderful, supportive audience. If you want to support Brick Immortar further, you can always come check out the community at www.patreon.com/BrickImmortar. Great group of like minded folks there! YOUR Safety Matters. -Sam

[@ethanleveque]

Love these vids

[@MajorBorris]

Good video

[@pt68picaso]

Very well done! Curious if U.S.S. Liberty (circa 1967) has been done or if you'd consider it? It was attacked during Israel's 7 day War & my local library U.S.S. Liberty Memorial Library is named after it.

[@LairdRuari]

Thank you for this. I was a Seaman apprentice onboard the USCGC Walnut when this happened. It really spooked our skipper, so we were drilled until we were sick of it and then drilled some more. We had to go to the bowels of the ship while the lights were out then we were timed on our egress. We were timed in launching our lifeboats and donning our May West lifejackets. Under President Jimmy Carter the USCG budget was sparse as we were Dept. of Transportation at the time. Much of our equipment was old. The was not much money for training. The Blackthorne sinking woke the service up to a degree.

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

Is there an emoji for a salute? In place I offer this simple Salutation. Thank you.

[@MontanaMedic13]

The fact that these videos are over an hour long is always a relief to me. I hate when a super complex disaster is squeezed into a 10 or 20 minute video. Brick Immortar always comprehensively sets the stage and fully explains these situations. So glad see this uploaded.

[@skullsaintdead]

*Brick Immortar (curious how we can skim words to get the more common, albeit incorrect, meaning) but I otherwise agree completely.

[@MontanaMedic13]

@@skullsaintdead Thanks. I corrected that.

[@chasjetty8729]

So true isn’t it

[@ChanceThomas-bl1hc]

I love that channel

[@nicolettegeiger3678]

When they showed the route to get to San Pedro I knew this would be fantastic, including info that others may wonder is great foresight, as someone who knows very little about shipping vessels but have always been interested in shipwrecks I like videos that explain things in layman’s terms as well, such a great video

[@riptide8103]

Watching this from the USCGC Harry Claiborne, Blackthorn's successor. We have one of her liferings hung above our mess deck and a memorial exists at Base Galveston. I like to think todays 175s are safer and our training and culture more advanced, but we will never forget our forefathers.

[@rebel-yell9453]

As a former 180 crew member, WLB 301, my heart goes out to the families of the Blackthorne crew and I thank you for your service. It was my greatest pleasure when underway, though she was old, she was stout as an oak and I felt like a part of the Conifer. The stories we can tell aye?

[@Stephanie-we5ep]

It's said that airline regs are written in blood, that's no less true of maritime regs. Is it true that the US Navy makes it clear that they destroy ships and not the lives of other nation's seamen? I'm paraphrasing of course, but the various Navies will attempt to save personnel in the water, irrespective of the nature of our relations with their nations... right?

[@nadrewod999]

Some people might not like having to follow the many strict safety rules and regulations, but it's important to remember that many of those safety mandates are written in blood, as a response to a deadly catastrophe which highlighted those particular safety flaws by their absence.

[@MadMax-bq6pg]

Dear US Coast Guard Person, from Canberra Australia, I thank you & your colleagues for your Service. The entire thought of a maritime career is terrifying. I can happily lead an infantry section into an attack; I whiteknuckle on the Manly ferry! Fair seas.

[@talanast.germain2607]

God Speed, Sir.

[@EddyOfTheMaelstrom]

Brick Immortar showing once again why this genre belongs to him. Fantastic work as usual.

[@samhamsord7942]

Cold and thorough, with tons of information to learn from. Just like this events should be looked at. While also being interesting to motivate people to listen and learn. Shame to some others on YT trying to make those real life tragedies sound as scary and mythical as possible for the sake of hype and profit.

[@MommyKhaos]

Other people: drops 10 minute video saying it's "long form" Brick: drops 1+ hour video with custom 3D animations

[@188tate]

Well said!

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Simple message, well delivered. You speak for most of us.⚓

[@claytoningram1333]

Agree!

[@tekman196]

My father is a retired US NAVY Master diver . He worked the salvage operation of the blackthorn . I remember as a kid him telling us all the stories about this accident. My dad also worked the space shuttle explosion and the air Florida crash in Washington DC . He turned 79 this year . I am extremely proud of all his accomplishments.

[@hrmanager97]

Wow.. A lot of tragedy for him. Please tell him thank you for his service and it hope he is not too haunted by those events.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

You should. I'm just sorry he had to dive the Blackthorne. I lived in Tampa 1969 to 2015. My cousin lost friends serving on Blackthorne. She was a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer.

[@tracycameron1225]

And so it should be,I'm an Aussie mate,thank you for your service.✌️

[@nl-oc9ew]

Tell your dad, a stranger on the internet, and filthy land-lubber says thanks.

[@sagebiddi]

Dammit. I was typing already and heard "....and they honored him again with the .." and before the W sound came the pouring pupil punch did...then the other fist delivering the 2nd half of what I didn't even know was gut punchES as in plural ,was and as always that all triggering "TAPS" ...my 6'10 dad met 4'11native mom while deployed south pacific and did something with WG impressive enough to be damn near shoved into O.N.I. of course after making several copies of himself of which I am the "baby" at 6'4 220 lbs and your comment ....well NOW that ended up being a sneaky kick in the emotional ribs lol and not just some nostalgia .. Well from the above comments I think your badass pops ain't gonna be bothered by one less hand slapping back shoulder so I'll instead relay that IM proud of you for always being proud of of the man whom has not only taken the route of the "good guys" but seemingly also raise a at least one respectful human being, that as often as they don't, absorbed, listened , AND heard the wisdom his father was shrewd enough to assess his offspring was configured for the same and just needed the "fitting/kitting out" or passed that mature mental fortitude.

[@aztec0112]

You have a way, sir - a certain gravitas, dignity, thoughtfulness and respect when presenting these tragedies. Every time I walk away wiser and immeasurably saddened. Thank you for the hard work that goes into producing them. Rest in Peace Billy Flores.

[@grahamgreene779]

yeah ditto what aztec dude said - not going to try to say it better and waste my time.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Very well put.

[@user-kn9gl9dt6l]

absolutely agree.

[@PanduPoluan]

100% agree

[@Navalator]

What irritates me is that it took private citizens to embarrass the Coast Guard into enacting a memorial to Flores. The brass must have been too busy enjoying their free meals and perks to do their moral duty.

[@daedalus_20v]

Try to imagine the kind of person who would, at just 18 years of age, venture into a sinking ship (in the dark) in an effort to save others. I've lived over twice as long as SA Flores and I've never done anything half as brave.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Nobody should have to be so brave. But bare in mind, in an all volunteer service, these kinds of actions are exactly what we signed up for. People join the Marines knowing they are going into combat, people join the USCG knowing they might have to do this.

[@tracycameron1225]

I suppose it was instinctively bred in this beyond brave young man. He won't be forgotten,lest we forget that's our motto here in Australia mate. Lest we forget 🙏

[@tracycameron1225]

Always remember

[@tracycameron1225]

I didn't know this story until now,so respect, lest we forget 🙏🙏🙏

[@Stephanie-we5ep]

Isn't there a Coast Guard ship named for him?

[@mashuto]

I'm a trainee navigation officer in the merchant marine and I have to say, these videos are out of the ordinary. They've taught me to be extremely vigilant out at sea and not discount the smallest of things no matter what. Thanks !

[@Michael-rg7mx]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but in 1980 we only had RDF. Maybe TD for LORAN in some areas.

[@cristoforopassaro2219]

@@Michael-rg7mx LORAN C was typical, Radio Direction Finding (Omni) was used primarily by aircraft. Both of these were highly inaccurate and only useful to find a large object such as an island. Modern GPS is amazingly accurate and useful.

[@BallisticDamages]

The quick thinking to tie open the life jacket locker shows incredible forethought from that sailor.

[@tinypoolmodelshipyard]

He now has a Coast Guard ship now named after him. He was a true hero that night. RIP William Flores, and all the shipmates that werent saved

[@PanduPoluan]

​@@tinypoolmodelshipyardFlores deserved the honor of having a cutter named after him. And a rapid reaction one, even, so fitting! I hope the Flores crew totally know the story behind the name, and can make Flores proud in heaven.

[@Morpheen999]

Its incredible that no sailer that saw the GIGANTIC anchor stuck in the ship made it a point to run and tell the bridge that they were at risk of being yanked over

[@hanzzel6086]

​@@Morpheen999Considering how little time they had, it seems probable that they would only have just made it to the bridge (if lucky) to the bridge when the ship went over (and I wouldn't be surprised if one of them had attempted to make their way to the bridge).

[@comehellorhighwater]

It happened at night and they were soon after in complete darkness down there.

[@LairdRuari]

I'll never forget the tragedy of the Blackthorne. I was a Seaman apprentice aboard the USCGC Walnut WLM 252 out of Terminal Island, CA. Our skipper mustered us on the Buoy deck to give us the tragic news and to announce upcoming drills planned to prepare us for the possibility of a similar incident with us. Just a week later I was on midwatch on a stormy night in LA Harbor. There was a fuel barge tended by a tug inbound. The barge was full and running a deep draft. It was early morning and the entire crew of the Walnut was onboard asleep with just myself and the engineer of the watch up to keep an eye on things. The barge's tug lost power in the storm and the wind was driving them towards us adrift without power of steering. I looked out of the galley porthole and it was black when I should've seen the lights of the port. I ran out onto the buoy deck to see the bow of the fuel barge headed straight for the port side of the Walnut on a collision course with us amidships. I sounded general quarters and was able to evacuate the crew. In the meantime the tug had restarted their engine and was backing down at full power. They were able to reverse course intime to avoid colliding with us. The Blackthorne was in the forefront of my mind while this went down.

[@sebastianalvaradocolon5983]

You know its bad when the coast guard needs the coast guard.

[@buckrogers7498]

It's not the first time nor will it be the last. However, I must commend you on how meaningful and insightful your comments are on this serious topic.

[@a24396]

The irony...

[@djmaster1995]

@@a24396 Not irony.

[@snorkman2]

​@buckrogers7498 lighten up a little, a lot of people that jest are good to have around in an emergency, they break tense moments and can calm a situation it's not a lack of respect or acknowledgement of the situation (at least I hope not). Words and feelings are not always in alignment.

[@switchdeck9164]

​@djmaster1995 how is it not irony do you not know what the word means?

[@K-Man1900]

I remember an entire class on BLACKTHORN at Coast Guard boot camp. One of the lessons the instructor drilled into our heads was knowing your ship and her egress routes. My first assignment, an old 180 no less, I was taken to one of the lowest compartments on the ship, blindfolded, told to spin a around a few times, and then make my way to the weather deck. It was a struggle to say the least.

[@brianbeeler1715]

As a MK3 when I was assigned to the USCGC Bittersweet (WLB 389) I remember those tests quite well. Had to stand "port and starboard" watches (every other night for those not familiar with that term) until I passed them. 180's rode like crap in rough weather but they were great vessels and solid workhorses.

[@brianokeefe7781]

yes, another of the changes were 'egress drills' for all new crew within first days of reporting. From your berthing area and commo work places .... from my first ship in 78 til my last in 2002 there were a BUNCH of changes and the vast majority for the better and I know they continued. For example throughout my sea time CG rarely used tugs for mooring. As CO of a 378 I did on several occasions getting sideward looks from some peers. But find the investigation into the holing and subsequent flooding on DALLAS in spring 2000. I was on board for my 'familiarization ride' en route a 378 Co tour. It was my observation that the incident probably would NOT have happened had they used tugs to assist in the mooring. I remembered and when in doubt used tugs and as I observe cutter OPS today I see much more routine use of tugs . . .

[@batarasiagian9635]

That is an excellent training exercise that could quite likely save lives.

[@shadowldrago]

I think I would hate that kind of training because I know that it would only be out to use if shit went *very* south. But, that nonetheless sounds very useful.

[@kingalphawerewolf]

tht's the point. The other training is important, and keeps you from getting in danger. But the crisis training literally saves your life. Learning it *actively* makes you less likely to die, no matter how tedious. @@shadowldrago

[@derekmcdanold7108]

Having served on a 180 footer myself the Blackthorn was always the scary story told to new sailors about the importance of knowing your General Emergency billet and damage control.

[@frankrizzo5594]

I served as well, what ship were you on and when?

[@derekmcdanold7108]

@@frankrizzo5594 Firebush, WLB 393

[@snikrepak]

You can know as much as you can, but nothing will ever replace a good captain, a shit leadership means shit performance.

[@TheCountofToulouse]

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mesquite ran aground off the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula while servicing a buoy, which marked the very reef on which she ran aground. You should cover that next! That is also a pretty astounding case.

[@MongooseTacticool]

"You had ONE JOB!" moment

[@46bovine]

Yes.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

HMAS Wollongong hitting Montague Island in 1985 would make for a similarly good story.⚓

[@JoshuaTootell]

Captain Ron : [telling how he lost his eye] Yeah, it happened when I went down off the coast of Australia. Katherine Harvey : Your boat sank? Captain Ron : No, no, no, no. Not my boat. My boss's boat. Yeah, we hit this reef. Huge son-of-a-bitch. Ran the whole coast. Katherine Harvey : Wait. The Great Barrier Reef? Captain Ron : You've heard of it, huh? Smart lady.

[@GerardMenvussa]

"I've found the reef, boss!" The helmsman, probably.

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

Shedding a tear for a young man I've never previously heard of. AS William Flores and his shipmates were badly let down. Terrible that it took such a tragedy to see significant changes. RIP to all who perished on that awful night.

[@BigDaddyWashington]

It's sad, but this is how we learn and improve our safety standards

[@marknorthrup1744]

I was a commissioned officer on two of her sister ships, SUNDEW and PLANETREE. Too many close calls in my memory that could have ended the same. It was the nature of our business with our crew assigned. I was on PLANETREE when she grounded in Alaska, Wangle Narrows 1990. Fortunately the crew had just completed USN RefTra in Pearl Harbor and responded professionally, saving the ship. A day does not go by I don’t recall the details of near total loss. Semper Paratus my brothers of the BLACKTHORN, rest in peace.

[@l3ubba308]

Another Coastie here. Having those personal items onboard isn't completely out of the ordinary for transits like this. When I was on a WHEC out of Kodiak we sailed down to Seattle to conduct some maintenance and training. Kodiak is pretty small and somewhat remote, so getting stuff shipped to you can take awhile and be pretty expensive. The CO allowed people to take advantage of our time in Seattle to buy items that are cheaper in the lower 48 and store them in our hangar since we didn't have a helo with us for the trip. Couple of folks bought appliances, someone purchased some lumber, another person purchased a new ATV.

[@timferguson1593]

I'm retired in U.S. Navy. We are blue water and they are, what we fondly called them, puddle-jumpers(all due respect). The job of servicing aids-to-navigation, be outs, be lights and light houses is not glamorous but it is the single most important job they do. If it wasn't for them doing this job there would be alot more maritime disasters. Thanks Coast Guard.

[@OlOleander]

Also ex-Navy. When I was in, we called them puddle pirates. Puddlejumpers were short flights, especially bush planes. Jokes aside, when the ocean is too bad even for the Navy, that's when the Coasties go out.

[@SarmonOflynn]

The footage of coast guard operators jumping off a helicopter barely above the Crest of a 50 foot swell, into the ocean and swimming to the side of a vessel listing to the tipping point on top of them... I dunno man. Those dudes are built different.

[@nadineb2726]

I don't wanna repeat what the navy is called as that'll get me kicked off KZbin. I will say, everybody talks shit till they need some help from them. They do tremendous work they earn every dollar they make same as you did sir you should have more respect for yourself and the military in general.

[@mpj20000]

Thanks for the respect. Most don't get it and feel the size of the ship makes the sailor. @@SarmonOflynn

[@mpj20000]

When I left a white hull to join a 180 tender, I quickly learned that the best hero is the one nobody knows, because they prevented the incident from occurring in the first place. @@dcpack

[@jasonboisseau409]

The underwater statue is an awesome way to remember Mr. Flores. It’s a beautiful piece

[@ThePresidentofMars]

Wouldnt it be better overlooking the the site from land so anyone that goes there to look out across the bay can see it? Rather than underwater to be forgotten about.

[@C77-C77]

@@ThePresidentofMars Perhaps, but i think it's where it belongs. It's in the spot where the young man met his end. I don't think many even pay attention to monuments anymore, unfortunately, especially those of the Army/Navy/Air Force/Coast Guard. They just enjoy the freedoms they have, while not caring to know who paid the price for it, and why. They should learn fast, because those freedoms are currently under attack again.

[@mickeym2380]

Very informative video. I am truly amazed at the lack of Seamanship Skills of the Blackthorns bridge team. As a U.S.Navy Sailor for most of my life, I know the lookout reports EVERYTHING they see. This is part of the checks and balances to ensure the OOD is aware of their surroundings.

[@lyricallyunwaxable1234]

His mention of leaving an unfamiliar port at night

[@BiggusD77]

I don't think it is possible to make any more grave mistakes in such a short period of time. Seriously! What else could they have done wrong? Reminds me of what happened in Norway in 2018, when the navy vessel KNM Helge Ingstad collided with the tanker MT Sola TS because they thought it was an oil terminal.

[@robg9236]

Yep, just like they did on the McCain and Fitzgerald.

[@bubbasmith3638]

Indeed, everybody on that bridge except the helmsman failed miserably.

[@oscarmathia6112]

@@robg9236 Yes i think the Fitzgerald shows much more lack of seamanship, if compared to Helge Ingstad accident. In the Helge Ingstad accident you have a oil tanker coming out with full flood light, bad VTS and crew change shortly previous to the accident. Fitzgerald is just steaming along in open waters and nobody reacting to a oncoming ship from starboard, visible on radar and ais.

[@stevekoch4540]

I always wanted to know where QM2 Crumley was when the USCGC Blackthorn sank. Now I do, he was in the chartroom on the bridge. I was a QM2 on the USCGC Valiant right across the dock in Galveston, Texas. Crumley was planning to get out in a few months, having a family. To this day I miss him! The Valiant was always getting underway, but the Blackthorn rarely did. But that decision to leave at night was not a good one. QM2 Koch '75 - '79 🇺🇸

[@maryeckel9682]

Thank you for your service. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend in this accident.

[@surferdude4487]

At night and without a pilot. And the radio was compromised because some "good buddy" was clobbering the channel. Those poor souls didn't stand a chance.

[@jlloyd423]

There was an unsecured filing cabinet in Blackthorn's chart room. When she rolled it broke loose and blocked QM2 Crumley's path of escape. Another hard lesson learned. QM3 Lloyd '81-'85.

[@CharlesSmith-qp1to]

I served with Gary in Alameda. Good man. Sad day when we lost him.

[@scottmcdade753]

Was Crumley, by chance, forming CO in Alameda?

[@Heinz-bx8sd]

Negligence... negligence everywhere

[@Lovesausage269]

Negligence on the walls, on the mirror

[@user-wj5gj9ld8b]

As a Skipper my self I see the same

[@Stale_Kracker]

Just like aircraft crashes its never one thing but a chain of unchecked events that lead to a catastrophe

[@daver00lzd00d]

​@@Lovesausage269it's all over the damn ceiling

[@billhart4710]

Alas, I knew her well. I was stationed at the😅 "Boat House" at CG Base Mobile in the early 70's and the Blackthorn was often tied up at the guest pier next to the small boats. The Blackthorn had a friendly cook/steward and he'd serve up late night suppers and snacks, turning up the heat in the crew's mess, a warm refuge for soaky smallboatmen. Sorta against regulations for him to do that, he'd just laugh and say we're all on the same team, right? Right.

[@TheBluesCruise]

That NTSB report is eviscerating, what a sad incident. Excellent video.

[@desertdirk1]

I was a Coxswain at CG Station Cortez, just a few miles south when this accident occurred. We were out patrolling the following day and many days afterward. Civil Air Patrol spotted one of the deceased crew on a sand bar and my crew and I recovered him. We were on duty on site when the Blackthorn was raised and an office went on board and went from compartment to compartment and discovered the remaining crew members. Thank you so much for this video and all the time, research and effort that went into this. My soul is a bit more relaxed now.

[@travisdelafuente1150]

It must have been a terrible time to live in the Tampa Bay area in 1980 with the Skyway Bridge collapse and the loss of the USCGC Blackthorn. Both tragedies should never be forgotten.

[@Stu161]

Lieutenant Commander George Sepel was responsible for what happened on his bridge, and on his ship. A Letter of Admonition... I just can't reconcile that with the loss of 23 souls.

[@katherinekeller4149]

At the very least he needed to be dismissed.

[@kennethjackson7574]

You might be a bit reassured if you watch “The Defection of Simas Kudirka.” I’m not sure of the spelling of his last name. Excerpts of three letters from Commandant are read. BTW, I appreciate how the producers caught the change of uniforms between the beginning and end.

[@richardcline1337]

The Captain should have been stripped of his rank and given a harsh prison sentence because, due to his incompetence, those men died needlessly.

[@markcrandall2794]

The captain should have been sentenced to life in prison at Leavenworth. I commanded 4 ships, including one just like the Blackthorn, and the CO of this ship failed his crew. @@richardcline1337

[@georgebreitwieseriii2092]

I recall reading the book on the Skyway collapse in May of 1980 when the phosphate freighter Summit Venture with Harbor Pilot john Llerros at the helm released to much ballast which caused the hull to rise and become much more vulnerable to the 70 mph winds. I think i recall reading that Llerros was also involved in the Blackthorne sinking . I cannot find his name in regards to this Coast Guard tragedy but the book claimed he was involved in the january catastrophe. His conscience damaged his health and these were terribly sad accidents for everybody involved except maybe the man driving the pickup which went down at the broken span and bounced off the bow of the Summit Venture before plunging into the water, thereby diminishing the impact and allowing him to maintain consciousness and open his door and swim to the surface. The poor guy had PTSD and survivor guilt I believe but you 've gotta admire a man who is quite a survivor.

[@AuroraPerformance]

You’re no where near as popular as you should be, the algorithm needs to help you out man you’re content is genre defining perfection!

[@kevinthomas895]

The algorithm promotes stupidity for its popularity and punishes intellectual content. Blancolirio constantly gets videos demonitized due to "sad content"

[@colleenlally-ross7105]

Yup! Love this dude's attention to detail and excellent way of explaining what most of of laypeople don't know.

[@Comeandsee300]

I don’t know if I can put into words how much respect I have for putting together these diligent reports on such a regular basis, for free. It’s so rare to find someone I feel like I can trust in media of any kind. The way you consistently operate in the media landscape of today is truly a thing of honor.

[@brianbeeler1715]

Hands down the best and most detailed explanation of the Blackthorn incident. Thank you so much for making it. Her loss must be studied so it will never happen again. After the Blackthorn incident crews were trained hard and often on collision and abandon ship drills. As a young MK3 on USCGC Bittersweet (WLB 389) in the early 1980's I experienced them first-hand. New engineers were also required to stand "port and starboard" watches (every other night) until they could get out the engine room within 60 seconds while blind-folded, on their hands and knees and not allowed to stand-up, after being spun-around and guided to a spot on the lowest part [of the engine room]. No one enjoyed the drills but we knew their importance so few complained. Those that did were told to "remember the Blackthorn." 180's were very solid boats but we often felt like a squirrel running across a highway when in busy channels. Again, great video.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

Maybe the CO of the Blackthorn should have been required to do the same. I did not appreciate getting the business from my CC on my first wake up at CM hearing how the Blackthorn went down the night before about the same time we were getting on the bus. If I were the commandant I would have busted that guy to hard labor as an example. A college education and a breeze through OCS at Yorktown just doesn't cut it. The age of the gentleman officer is long gone. Its about leadership and professionalism.

[@MrGuanomaster]

Great episode! I would love to hear your perspective on the sinking of the MS Estonia on the 28th of september 1994. With 852 souls claimed by the baltic sea, it reamins the worst peace time maritime disaster Europe has seen to this day. There was also alot of controversy and potential coverups involved that would surely make for another captivating episode of yours! Keep it up! Greetings from Hamburg, the other side of the pond!

[@oscarmathia6112]

Interesting accident, but there are already so much content about this accident, new and old.

[@missingnola3823]

I have seen a video on that accident from another channel but I, too, would like Brick Immortar's take on that one. His are the best of the disaster documentary genre.

[@MrGuanomaster]

@@oscarmathia6112 Whilst u are right in terms of quantity, I really haven't seen anything matching Sams's quality. There is relatively new diving footage available from some Swedish media outlet. Also 1994 was just shortly after the soviet union collapsed, Estonia used to be a part of it and there was just so much going on in that time! There are just way to many, way too wild, theories out there! Smuggling soviet era weapons, Plutonium, ramming a submarine - Hell they tried to bury the wreck with concrete instead of retrieving the corpses! The perfect topic for a professional, scientific yet captivating episode. The classic Brick immortar one! Sam, please? Such a popular topic would surely generate alot of reach for your channel :)

[@maryeckel9682]

Adding my support to this idea! A Brick Immortar deep dive is a cut above anything else.

[@caffiend.]

These videos are so detailed and very professional in its presentation. They should be "required viewing" as training for all mariners. Thank you for your time and effort in sharing.

[@alsparks20]

I was in the Coast Guard when the Blackthorne incident occurred, and in Quartermaster school (which trains QM's for service on the bridge as assistant navigators). After A school, I was assigned to the USCGC Woodrush, which was the same class of buoy tender that the Blackthorne was. When the initiial report came out, I had been serving for about a year on the Woodrush, and the descriptions were eerie to me since the descriptions of the bridge matched what was on the Woodrush, including sighting limitations of the gyroscopic repeaters mentioned in the video. After my service on the Woodrush, I was assigned to the Seventeenth Coast Guard District in Juneau, Alaska. As it happens, after my arrival there, Commander Sepoy was assigned there, though I had little encounters with him, but from those few encounters, I'd say he was a pleasant, nice man who wasn't standoffish towards the enlisted there. I've read some local newspaper accounts written about him after he retired, and of course the Blackthorne has continued to haunt him. He remained in the Coast Guard for eight more years, retiring with the rank of commander (he was promoted once). I've heard that he has received death threats, and many members of Blackthorne crew at the time of the incident and their families continue to be bitter towards him. The video did tell me things I didn't originally know. I thought that the Capricorn master had ordered the release of the anchor to slow his ship down, not that the anchor was released as a result of the Blackthorne's grazing it during the collision. The requirement that Coast Guard deck officers pass a test began while I was on the Woodrush. They were given two tries to pass the test, at which point they would be reassigned. Two deck officers on the Woodrush did fail the test the first time and passed on their second try. I didn't realize that during the formal inquiry that officers were questioned on their expertise on ship stability and rules of the road navigation and came up short in displaying that expertise. In the end, I don't think that Sepoy should have been given jail time for what he did, because it was the Capricorn's anchor that caused so much of the tragedy, one of those “perfect storms.” But I also think that Sepoy should have been forced out of the Coast Guard, instead of serving an additional 8 years. If he wanted his time in service to count towards retirement, he could have gotten a federal civil service job. But he should have been forced to take off his uniform.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

Different rules for college boy officer and a gentleman. If it was an enlisted guy responsible they would have fried him. Anyone familiar with tampa bay recognizes that its constantly having to be dredged for the shipping lane. What looks like open water most of the day can be waded half way across at low tide. The Commandant himself and nearly everyone in the chain of command should have been busted on a loss of life and screw up this big. I would have told that Russian cruise ship to "f" off. Any graduate from boot knows from training you lose your night vision in the presence of bright lights. Quebec 107 - Jan 29 first wake up at boot.

[@ryan70100]

It only takes five minutes of watching to slightly comprehend how much time and energy went into this video. Unbelievable work ethic. Well done sir, you have made another masterpiece.

[@dallasguy3306]

The video is riveting. As I watched and listened, it felt like I was there. Your exhaustive research and writing skills are obvious. Your stuff is at the top of my A-list here, and there are some very talented KZbinrs on that list.

[@francisthedj7006]

I rent a room from a former merchant marine at the nj shore. I tell him i listen to these stories and am captivated. The way you research is unbelievable in comparison w most things on the net. Thank you sir for doing such a great in depth job on each incident. Amazing work. And thank you for respecting all involved. Peace and God Bless. Prayers for those lost Coast Guardsmen - most just babies in life. ( i live near cape may where they train).

[@jeffmilroy9345]

I was one of those babies on my first wake up at Sexton hall - Quebec 107 January 1980. We fell out on the 29th still in our civies to a hot announcement that the Blackthorn went down and NOT ON THEIR WATCH. Perhaps they should run all OCS candidates through boot at cape may as part of the selection process. Honor man required to go to OCS.

[@JustAllinOneResource]

Thank You. This is so sad. No reason for this to happen. I live in Halifax, and this I do know for a fact that NO ship may enter or exit the Harbor without a Maritime Pilot being onboard. Captains have no say in the matter, and no captain can ever refuse it. If they do refuse it then they will never get out or into the harbor. After the Halifax Harbor Explosion in 1917, it was made sure that it would never happen again.

[@marysaltlife1427]

Hello, live in Toledo, Ohio, on the mighty Maumee River, the Erie Canal. There must also be a locally trained pilot on board. The one of two Maritime schools is also here.

[@dishsoap1]

As Former Coast Guard, I am embarrassed of this crews behavior. Very sad to see such a large loss of life. 😢 Luckily, when I was in during the first decade of the 2000’s, things seemed much more competent. I enjoyed my time in and still miss it.

[@marhawkman303]

No one expects to have an anchor chain flip your boat over... but.... that's because you're supposed to not get another ship's anchor stuck in your hull. It's a sad case when something like that happens because the crew just wasn't paying attention. :/

[@JAKFLY28]

I was in in the 70’s. I know alot of younger Coasties think they’re better than we were. You aren’t You benefit from what we went through with better equipment.

[@jonathanpeterson1984]

I miss it EVERY day. the ol time machine wish.😢

[@zulumax1]

@@JAKFLY28 I was stationed on the USCGC cutter Morgenthau WHEC 722 and we were on winter patrol in Alaska up in the Bearing Sea 79-80 when this happened (ALPAT). I certainly don't recall such disregard for the rules of the road like in this case on our unit. We certainly went through drown proofing training in boot camp, along with constant fire and damage control drilling. We also had to maintain those battery powered emergency lights, we tested them constantly in scheduled preventive maintenance.

[@Donkor640]

Sadly it takes tragedies like this one to make meaningful changes. I joined in 1994, retired in 2019 and it was a completely different service from my first year to the last. Like C130 crews are encouraged to take short naps if you’re feeling sleepy on a long flight as long as it’s announced and timed. This is a huge improvement over the late night searches where you suddenly realize everyone is asleep. 😅I imagine 25 years from now some newly retired Coastie will be telling me the same thing.

[@Unb3arablePain]

Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice to save lives, Flores. Your bravery will not be forgotten by me nor others. *YOUR SAFETY MATTERS!*

[@michaelgarrity6090]

I am so glad that I came across this video. In the summer of 1983, I joined my first operational Coast Guard unit, the USCGC Cape Fox that was undergoing a major retrofit in the same yard that Blackthorn underwent its work. When it was time for us to get underway after we had spent a week or so undergoing recertifcation to return to service and did some safety and other drills in Tampa Bay, when we we were leaving Tampa Bay bound for the Fox's homeport of Key West, as we reached the point where the Blackthorn went down, we did an all crewmember muster on our foredeck, rendering a salute to the crew members of the ship. It was about the same time in the evening that the Blackthorn went down that we did this all hands salute. I now live in Central Florida. I periodically visit the Blackthorn memorial in the park alongside the Sunshine Skyway. I often think of the sinking of the Blackthorn and the loss of many of her crew members. I never knew the nuts and bolts details of this incident. I am glad that I am now fully informed about it thanks to this video. Man, as we said in the service, this whole situation was one major "Cluster Fuck," that mostly was the result of the actions and inactions of the command members of this ship. Thank God the service took action to resolve the lax training and other factors that led to this tragedy.

[@AmeliasMiMi]

I’d just like to say that your channel is one of the most informative that I’ve found on you tube. Thank you for your great attention to detail when retelling these tragic events. You do so without biased commentary, stating the important facts so viewers can gain an accurate picture of what actually happened on these fateful journeys. Most often I find my heart racing and/or my breathing affected because I feel I am placed right there with these people as you narrate the tragedy unfolding. To me, this is not an easy feat. It’s also a testament to the amount of time, research, & diligence you put into the retelling of these tragic events. Finally, I admire how you narrate with much respect shown to the victims, (including the ones who have been found to be at fault) regardless of how long it’s been since these events took place. Bravo, sir. Your videos are well worth the wait. 👍🏻👍🏻🫶🏻 Rip to all the ones who lost their lives in this horrific event.🕊️

[@101ThingThe]

It feels wrong to be excited for a tragedy breakdown

[@villebooks]

Not if it's for education purpose

[@AHDBification]

Well with his upload schedule, you better be excited!

[@davidm8371]

The USCSB also has some of the most impressive and engaging visuals. It's quite vital that people become engaged when learning about safety.

[@littlespinycactus]

Superbly written and narrated, and so touchingly concluded. May the heroes of that tragic night rest in eternal peace.

[@alexmelisz7724]

Everytime I watch one of these breakdowns, I cannot help but be impressed by the unparalleled research, decorum, and heart put into them. I appreciate all the work that you do.

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

I'll say it again: you have an amazing talent to make an hour plus video be engaging for the entire duration. I always have to put off watching your new videos until I have the time, and yet when I start, I don't even notice the time go by. It just stays excellent. This one was a special one for me. I've been a Coast Guard brat my whole life, and my dad was stationed on Bramble and Iris at times in his career. He was actually on Neah Bay when the Mesquite ran aground in 1989. We also made it aboard Sundew last winter on vacation. I've been around and exposed to USCG cutters for my whole life, and it's always a fun experience. Incidents like this are just heartbreaking, especially when I hear how much of the culpability landed on Blackthorn's crew. Hearing about the repeated failures of Blackthorn to answer the radio speaks to me quite a bit (no pun intended), as I work in transportation, and I frequently have to contend with being unable to reach people on the radio who need to be reachable. All in all, just a miserable event that could have been prevented in so many ways. One thing you didn't mention is the hazard of the phone talker cables. At that time, the phone talker headsets would be plugged into a port on the ship itself. When the ship rolled, some of the phone talker seamen became either entangled or tethered by the cables to their headsets, and were momentarily unable to escape (I am not 100% certain if this directly led to any casualties, but I do know it was a threat). One of the changes made by the Coast Guard soon after was getting rid of the wired headsets and switching to either wireless headsets or ship-mounted communication (not sure what the replacement technology was at the time).

[@grapeshot]

And not too long after this incident you had the collapse of the Skyway Bridge where a Greyhound bus and several cars and trucks dropped into Tampa Bay killing about 35 people. And I remember that tragic incident very vividly.

[@XDudexaz]

He actually has a video on that incident too

[@boogerdog5247]

So do I, I was on my way home to Brandon early a.m. with skies dark black and clouds very low ceiling...as I pulled up to a stop sign in Thonontasassa, 98 Rock Radio D.J. began screaming..." THE SKYWAY BRIDGE IS DOWN...THE SKYWAY BRIDGE IS DOWN."

[@johnjcoxiii9401]

Thank you for you detailed account of this tragedy. I served 4 years in the USCG....2.5 aboard 327 Cutter CAMPBELL (built 1936) on International Weather Patrol (60,000 NM at sea in the N. Atlantic and Labrador Sea) with a 25 years of service Full Captain (4 striper) and 1.5 aboard the steam buoy tender OAK (built 1922) under a 35 year Mustang Lt. Cmdr (2.5 stripes). I can tell you my shipmates and I were well aware of our ship, our duties either on watch or in emergency situations under THESE Commanding Officers.. Indeed, CAMPBELL was involved in the Andrea Doria rescue in July 1956 and I was on duty on the bridge for 17 hours as a Quarterrmaster under "General Quarters!" It was only 1 of four rescues I was involved in, three on CAMPBELL and one on OAK during my time at sea. I am now 86 years old and shaking my head in sadness that in only about 20 years the competence of the officers had so degenerated to create such a tragedy. Definitely NOT My CG!

[@Adamas_83]

Excellent work as always; we all truly appreciate your candor, stewardship, and respect toward all involved in these incidents. So many lessons learned from this particular tragedy, and a tough look in the mirror for the Coast Guard at the time. It's not in vain if we learn from it - the only way to truly honor these fallen sailors.

[@edstein5642]

I’m a native of Clearwater & was 19 when the Blackthorn tragedy happened. The striking & collapse of the southbound span of the Skyway & the Blackthorn incident were so close in time, it gave that channel a kind of notoriety. Every time I visit Mullet Key aka Ft. DeSoto Park & look out to that channel I can’t help but think of what happened out there. People don’t take open water seriously enough… I’m thankful we have the USCG.

[@metalfabman5477]

Just stumbled across your Excellent video here and I must say it really touched me!, to the point of tears. Your thorough research of this unnecessary tragedy is just amazing and sobering. I served 5 years in the USCG form 1974 through 1979 as a Seaman on the tender White Bush out of Astoria Oregon, at the mouth of the Columbia River CG district 13, and later as a BM2 Boat Coxswain of a 41-footer on YBI Station San Fransisco, CG district 11. It just hurts to think of all the young men that perished in such an unnecessary accident because of all of the lack of proper communication between ships underway. It absolutely hurts. So sorry that all of these young men never got a chance to live out their lives. I'm pushing 70 and still remember those wonderful days in the Guard. Thanks for your very understanding and thorough investigation of what happened here. Hard to watch for an X-Coasty but Necessary. I feel so blessed to still be here with my wife of so many years but so sorry for those not here that should be from the Blackthorn.!! Rest in Pease my Brothers!

[@matthewbohan8884]

As someone at USMMA these videos are always so interesting and informative to watch. Thank you for the effort and time you put into these videos

[@enolahopkins545]

Thank you so much for the work that you do, I am a United State Navy veteran. I am so glad that you did this documentary as I had no knowledge of the events that took place on the Cutter Blackthorn. May the Lord bless all the families of the lost sailors and heal the minds of those that survived.

[@noUGames]

I was on an USCGC Bouy Tender from 2009-2013, we strapped cars on our decks too. Never personal vehicles but official USCG vehicles.

[@juangonzalez9848]

Those old 180 footers were a great class of vessels. Sturdy little buggers that could handle Lake Superior at some of her worst.

[@blackhawks81H]

Yes they were. I became incredibly well acquainted with the Acacia when she was stationed in Charlevoix. They were slow, they'd make even the most seasoned sailors seasick rolling in 14+ footers on the great lakes. But hell. Not many boats would even survive 13 footers on the lakes. The various 180s that served on the lakes over the years went out in weather that had even the big 700+ foot freighters at anchor. Their relatively thick hulls made quick work of most ice. The thickest stuff being left for the Mackinaw. But despite the terrible loss of life, I think that the ruggedness of the class allowed those who did make it, a fighting chance. I don't know any other 180 foot boats that could take an impact from a ship that large, at that speed, and then drag her anchor embedded in the hull, just to end up at the end of a suddenly taut anchor chain, and not be simply ripped apart.

[@daver00lzd00d]

@blackhawks81H my grandpa was on the Mackinaw when he was in the service, he talks about his ice breaking trips a lot lol

[@JoshuaTootell]

Worst I experienced was 35' in the Gulf of Alaska. That was a wild ride!

[@57WillysCJ]

That they were. The one that went out to look for the Fitzgerald was built in Duluth and is now used by the Ghana Navy. After a life on Lake Superior and then Alaska, now she is in African waters. I believe one of them is privately owned. Most don't remember the USCG were off the coast of Vietnam stopping arms shipments during the war.

[@mudhutproductions]

The first I had ever heard of the Blackthorn was while sitting in Coast Guard Boot Camp in 1987. Scared the hell out of me so I wound up at the USCG Yard in Curtis Bay Md. A shipyard as fate would have it. I learned how these cutters were assembled from stem to stern and spent the rest of my tour as an MK on a couple of 378's. This has been an excellent documentary! It is always so refreshing to hear the correct terminology and nomenclature used when speaking of big floaty things.

[@joereedmusic9853]

Well done, thank you. I was part of the Blackthorn crew after transferring from the Gentian which was decommissioned when the Blackthorn arrived at Base Galveston. I was onboard her for about another 6 months before I was transferred to the Search and Rescue unit at the base and then completed my tour of duty and left the Coast Guard in 1978.

[@-imperatorinsomnia-6163]

Found your channel from Attorney Tom. Glad to see people cover these unfortunately routine and often looked over tragedies.

[@scootertrash911]

This was eight years after I got out of the Coast Guard where I served on WLB399 Sagebrush in San Juan Puerto Rico. I was only 18 years old when I arrived. Thank goodness we had a great Captain.

[@LB-oz9hv]

The Blackthorne being a fairly small vessel and unfamiliar with the traffic situation should have been favoring the starboard side of the shipping channel. This would have allowed overtaking vessels to safely pass as well as allowing inbound traffic to pass port to port. The pilot of Capricorn acted wisely by grounding the tanker and avoiding a possible collision with the bridge.

[@callmeonkeshiasphone]

I concur, I think the question was right on and valid what was that guy (command of BT) trying to prove? nothing, he really just didnt know what he was doing?

[@LB-oz9hv]

@@callmeonkeshiasphone Yes, traveling straight down the middle, no proper radio watch and in everybody's way.

[@marhawkman303]

@@LB-oz9hv Also, Capricorn's crew probably gave the crew of Blackthorn a little more time by slowing down as quickly as they could. not much given how quickly Blackthorn was moving away, but every bit counts. :/

[@markcrandall2794]

Agreed. It’s unacceptable that Blackthorn’s bridge team missed so many radio calls on channel 13, and they should have sent out several security calls as they transited outbound toward sea. @@LB-oz9hv

[@martyb3783]

This is the most detailed comprehensive report of this incident that I have ever seen. I was stationed on a Cutter in the early 80s and multiple copies of the NTSB report floated around on my ship for all to read. We were all encouraged to read it. The officers on my ship were very strict and this incident was one of the reasons why. Every Coast Guard officer I have spoken to about this incident views it as a tragedy but also an embarrassment. Semper Paratus!

[@wadd58]

That time period in the Coast Guard was a rough time, We were yet to start recovering from the budgetary cuts of the Carter administration. The ship I was on was a Secretary Class Cutter built before WW2. Scrounging, begging, and doing without were the hallmarks of the CG back then. Hell, we were still using flap holsters from WW2 most of the time. We were operating in Florida when the Blackthorn went down, all of us were shocked that it could happen.......just like when the Cutter Cuyahoga was sunk, we had to learn a lot of lesson....sometimes change doesn't happen fast enough. thank God the CG started getting new equipment, ships and a better acceptance to change.

[@mpj20000]

I hear you. I don't think others believe me when I tell them how low-budget we really operated back then. A 2PO at a Navy base told me that they were instructed to lock their stuff up when a CG cutter tied up because we were known for stealing. And the truth was I always arrived at their base with a shopping list.

[@scottmcdade753]

I was attached to the Cape Gull (95304) in Miami at the time. News we didn't like to hear. Cuyahoga court martials had just ended while I was in Yorktown earlier in 1979. Semper Paratus.

[@richardcline1337]

I still cannot understand that damned anchor being as it was rather than being stowed as the other one was. That anchor what the main cause of the Blackthorn's sinking after it's captain had screwed up so badly.

[@KnA_Racing]

As a Tampa Bay native I applaud you for this video, and the sunshine skyway video previously. The gravitas and pacing you set, along with the detailed timeline ring well to a historian such as myself. Bravo Zulu from a Navy vet.

[@gregorssamsa]

Genuinely my favorite KZbin channel and I could not have cared less, at all, about anything related to the maritime industry prior to discovering it. You are the greatest, brick.

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

I was stationed at Pier 91 Seattle Wash. and assigned to The USCGC Wachusett=W-44 in 1968 and served in Vietnam during Operation Market Time and this video really stuck in my craw to have seen all the incompetence and lack of training aboard the Blackthorn and all the other ships and as a Radarman 3rd Class aboard The Wachusett I considered our Crew as well trained and our Officers and Chiefs on board were outstanding and our CO was Lt. Cmdr. Lucas and was always seen on our Bridge and around the ship and all of us were full of pride and conviction and I cherish all the memories created on that Great Old Cutter. Glad to see the Seaman Flores Memorials and the Reef made by The Blackthorn as was The Wachusett also. It must have taken extreme effort to make this video and I applaud you for taking the task and I subscribed today. Semper Paratus~!

[@Echo2-2]

I have heard of this incident, but I have never viewed such an in-depth coverage of the incident before now. Fantastic work!

[@nexaentertainment2764]

This may genuinely be one of my top fav channels. You are so beyond underrated. This channel is incredible, I love it. Like there's plenty of other maritime & disaster channels... but I truly can't think of any that are better than Brick Immortar. Some are amazing in their own rights and in different ways... but this may just be the best (imo ofc).

[@sse_weston4138]

I was wondering what the anchor chain was doing in the intro animation, but as soon as Blackthorn went over suddenly, I knew what had just happened. Seen enough tugs lost in similar ways when their towing cable girds.

[@mauricekurtz4081]

Thank you for this most excellent presentation. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on that clear moonlit night: Working the floor in a restaurant when one of the guests received a call and had to leave immediately. It had to do with a ship collision in Tampa Bay. I've lived in the Lower Tampa Bay area for most of my life and have many small craft hours, day & night, navigating through the area of the collision. Never a place nor moment for error. Having gone to Eckerd College, I was one of the early members of the Search & Rescue Team, but this was before EC-SAR had divers who would be engaged in this kind of emergency assistance. There is a Blackthorn monument at a rest area on the causeway leading to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Most people who see it have no idea the tragedy occurred, nor the aftermath.

[@jakegarvin7634]

"i dont know! they wont answer my calls!" "Hi guys!" "Ugh, Hi Dennis"

[@eherrmann01]

Your videos are always worth the wait. Thanks for all you do Sam.

[@T.Lspitz]

Probably your best video yet! Truly a new genre indeed! Amazing work. Pictures, transcripts, 3D animation, and even some video along with your more than excellent quality of narration has made for an absolutely great video/documentary. Love your content as always. Keep up the great work! I have a feeling this skill has potential to take you alot further than expected. Ill be eagerly waiting for the next one!

[@FredMiller]

As an Vietnam era Coastie I was so so moved with the accuracy of the reenactment of this tragedy. We MUST be VIGILANT at all times when on watch and NOT assume anything. There were so many opportunities for for this tragedy to have been avoided. Thank you for all your wonderful efforts here. RM2 Fred Miller

[@tugboattedd]

As a former WLB sailor, I appreciate the video. Keep up the good work!

[@JoshuaTootell]

Sedge: Workhorse of the Black Fleet 😉

[@megmolkate]

The coast guard lost another ship of this class in the late 1980’s in Lake Superior. It was picking up buoys prior to the onset of winter and ran aground on the shoal that they had retrieved said buoy from. The crew was unfamiliar with the area as they were covering for another cutter which was being repaired.

[@markcrandall2794]

Yep, that was another stupid and totally avoidable accident that resulted in the loss of another great ship with plenty of life left in it. The DWO was only out of the academy for a few months, and that idiot CO left her on the bridge in unfamiliar waters at night with known shoal water nearby. The CO of that ship should be in Leavenworth doing time right now.

[@mikehall3074]

Tremendous investigative work. As an ex-navy Sailor, I have to say that the USCG Captain got off totally. He takes Charge of and Responsibility for every one of his Crew. Such Arrogance and obvious Ignorance under Training. However there's a considerable amount of Blame to be Heaped on his Superiors and not least the Postings Department. 😮😮😮

[@49erDiner]

I was in the CG in Florida and this case was highlighted in boot camp as more of a memorial. Seems the CG was not as transparent with the multiple failures - This is the most comprehensive video I have ever seen. Great work B n M

[@andrevenger]

I request an episode dedicated to the ships and crew who, seeing disaster unfold, sailed towards it at full steam to offer all the help they could.

[@jimmyhain]

The amount of time, research, documentation, and dedication you put into these videos does not go unnoticed. You sir are a legend 🙌 🙏 👏

[@deborahelizabeth7012]

This was excellent. I listen to your videos while I work. I like that you explain everything in such detail that I can listen and get a clear picture in my mind without having to watch. Thank you!!!!!

[@Navalator]

An absolutely OUTSTANDING documentary presentation. This video should be REQUIRE viewing by all students at the USCG Academy.

[@joe_not_a_fed]

I just stumbled upon your channel the other day, and I am impressed. You have a unique talent for being able to analyze an incident logically and in great detail, yet in a manner compassionate to the victims. Factual but not clinical. It is obvious you put a staggering amount of research into your vids...not relying on headlines and sound bites. Frankly, that's a very fine and difficult line to tread. There is no sensationalism...just the facts as you find them. You do it better than most, including investigative organizations. As far as I can discern...you present the truth...or as much of it as you can determine, and that's what victims, families and people trying to prevent tragedies, deserve and need more than anything. In addition, I have to give you extra credit for your narration and production. I spent over a decade as a radio announcer and I am very aware of the importance and effectiveness of production values and yours are exceptional. The presentations have a MAYDAY feel to them but better, I think, because it's all you. You're not just reading a script. That does make a difference. Your presentations have been a pleasant surprise. Thank you.

[@memphis6694]

This is the first time I have ever given a donation via the comment section lol. It’s not much, however this video, it’s so well done, I wanted to give a little something to show that I truly appreciate your channel and commend you for producing such excellent videos. Please keep them coming.

[@BrickImmortar]

Thanks for the channel support friend!

[@buckchesterfield8886]

Capricorns pilot probably made the prudent choice in not lowering speed which would cause a loss of rudder response at a time when he needed it most.

[@j.r.3215]

When this video came up on my suggested videos to watch in YT I had chills run up my spine for reasons I will explain. The C.O. of the Blackthorn has been a close family friend since the mid-1960s as our fathers worked together at Northrop Aircraft. G.J. (Jim) Sepel, The C.O. was as I recall did graduate from the Coast Guard Academy. "Jim" also dated my older sister in the late 60's, can't remember for how long. His parents would come to our house once a week while Jim's much younger brother (Marty) was attending a cadet program for young people at Los Alamitos Naval Air Station. Accidents at sea or in the air can/do/and will point out major problems in a system that has become complacent in it's ways. This is very evident in Aviation accidents as each accident investigated comes with better procedures and training for flight crews and maintenance personnel. Over my 26 years as a Corporate Pilot I have read many NTSB accident reports/final causes and recommendations. I do believe today's technology does make flying easier for flight crews and also safer at the same time. With the mandatory requirement of flight data and cockpit recorders (most commercial aircraft) much is learned from these accidents and changes made to training or new equipment installed make aviation much safer. My guess that much that same type of changes have come to boats/ships at sea. The biggest one I can think of is AIS, had that been around in Jan 1980, this would have saved the lives of many brave sailors of the Blackthorn, RIP Fellow Veterans.

[@aFoundingYouTuber]

I was in the USCG from 1970 to 1974. I was stationed on two Iris-class buoy tenders, not for permanent duty, but only as waystations on to my permanent billets (returning from Vietnam to wait for Gunners Mate school in NYC to start three months later; and then for two months to await commencement of Navy Instructor School.) A few things to know about these WWW II ships. - By the time I was on those two boats they were considered total PsO. Getting stationed on a buoy tender was considered sheet duty. The only reason why some guys wanted to serve on one is to be close to home or they liked the location where the ship was home ported. The rest of the guys, we always thought they did something wrong to end up on a buoy tender, considered the worst billet in the USCG. By the time I was on the one buoy tender it was a 32-year-old ship. How safe was it? Well, not once did we have a general quarters drill; no one knew where any of the safety equipment was located; everything we used was WW II vintage; all USCG boats and ships are armed, most of the .50 cal., .45 ACP, and M16 rifle ammo had WW II era dates and markings. Back in WW II ASBESTOS was liberally used inside ships as fireproofing. Lots of the asbestos covering pipes and adhered to bulkheads (walls) was cracked, shredded, or flaking. End result, the crew was breathing in asbestos 24/7. Lastly, the ship I was on was infested with so many cockroaches, at meal time the bugs would walk on the tables, stare at you and wait to be fed (I kid you not). - Although only a second class petty officer (E-5), among the enlisted men we believed that a senior lieutenant commander was sent to command a buoy tender because the USCG did not intend to promote that officer beyond LCDR. Indeed, the one LCDR CO was quite old, and don't tell anyone, often drunk on duty. We all figured he was quite bitter and was just marking time to where he could retire after 20 years service. - In WW II the Iris-class buoy tenders were not built to last. It is a fact that Navy ships have a 30 to 30 year service life and then they are sold or given away to foreign nations, or decommissioned and sunk or sent to the scrap metal yard. But not the Coast Guard. Because the USCG has to fight Congress for money to build boats and ships, the USCG is known for making do with what it has and streeeeeeeeeeeeeeetching a ship's service life way beyond what's safe, sound, and responsible. The bad thing about this is: there's no "pride of ownership" among the officers and crew. Indeed, as our host mentioned, most all the safety equipment on the Blackthorn failed, was inoperable, or dilapidated. The only reason for that, the senior officers and upper ranked enlisted men (E-6, E-7) did not give a sheet. They wanted to only do their time and then get off the boat ASAP. Note: I don't fault the E-3's and E-2's for the Blackthorn's unsafe condition and lack of readiness. Ship safety, training, and drills are the responsibility of the senior officers and senior enlisted ranks. And IMO ultimately fault lays with the USCG District's commanding Admiral and Captains; e.g., I doubt any of that District's high ranked officers ever inspected the Blackthorn to check on the condition and determine the readiness of the boat, nor ensure the safety equipment was in order, tested, and maintained. Bonus Comment: Indeed, I suspect the reason the District commanders did not lower the boom on the Blackthorn CO is because they knew their own negligence significantly contributed to so much tragic loss of life that fateful day. In fact, being a 32-year federal court litigator myself, I suspect LCDR Jim Sepel's crack lawyer reminded the good admiral that if command went after his client, that he would be prepared at the court martial to point fingers at the admiral and captains for their failing the officers and crew of the Blackthorn. You can be sure no one USCG District Headquarters wanted that, especially since MSM was watching. That had to be it because it is almost by rote headquarters figuratively makes the commanding officer of the boat walk the plank. So do the math: the CO gets a slap-on-the-wrist letter in his file, he stays in the service for 8 more years, command complies with his wish for shore duty only, he's promoted to commander, and retires with a full pension. Yep, the USCG wanted this to quietly fade away off the front page.

[@bushwackcreek]

During any Sea and Anchor detail aboard Planetree (sistership to Blackthorn), ALL HANDS were at their stations, no one showering, sleeping or loitering anywhere. Also begging the question of WHY a night departure from an unfamiliar port? Command incompetence.

[@MRptwrench]

is it me or does it seem like the ship, that one would think, had the most professional crew and led by the most by-the-book officers, Wasn't the US Coast Guard ship that night? this one hurt. I wanna know what the USGC learned from this.

[@lamwen03]

As the details of the Blackthorn's crew and officers shows, this was a ship type that the Coast Guard didn't consider to be really professional. The standard equipment failures mean the officers never checked, never drilled, didn't think they had to care.

[@rider6500]

Imagine a guy driving a car who doesn't know that a left turn signal means the other guy is going to turn left - those were the coast guard officers that night.

[@JoshuaTootell]

I can't tell you what the USCG learned from this. But I can tell you that during the years I was in, 1998-2008, the crews I worked with were top notch with little exception. I'd sail with them again any day. I did trust my life with them.

[@melodyszadkowski5256]

Having been born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, the Blackthorn's always been legendary to me or anyone plying its waters. I took its story in my memory when it occurred several years into my Naval career. In a trainer status for most of those years, I drilled the basics with my people until they came to call them "Blackthorn drills" after I explained their purpose. I hope SA Flores and his heroic shipmates would approve. I just wish this presentation had been available then. My folks would have been able to recite the entire script before I let them move on. But they would have had a greater appreciation of the fact that their job, communications, could save or cost lives, depending on how well they executed their jobs. I've been retired from the service over 20 years and this story still twists my gut. I don't believe in "if" anymore. "If" shouldn't have been in the conversation.

[@mississippichris]

God bless all the Coast Guardsmen who protect and serve the maritimers. A special blessing to the family of Flores and all those who survived because of his selflessness. From a former river tug first mate. Thank you for your excellent content. The research, writing, and narration are superb.

[@philmcgladdery1398]

Another great video from Brick Immortar. I particularly appreciate the historical accuracy of the digital models, particularly with regards to flag placement.

[@fernandocastillo1972]

I was stationed at McDill AFB at the time. I remember watching our fire department doing a water recovery on one of the coasties killed on the Blackthorn.

[@robstewart5995]

Excellent presentation. As I was listening to your presentation, I was crossing the Skyway bridge, On the way back I stopped at the Blackthorn memorial and placed my hand on the anchor. I was absolutely astonished to learn of the factors leading up to this tragedy.

[@gjforeman]

Thank you for this fascinating report. My first duty station after CG boot camp was a very similar tender, USCG Walnut in San Pedro CA in 1969. I was only there about 3 months but the photos brought back a lot of memories. Thinking back to that time, I don't recall anything in the way of survival training, and I do recall that testing of the hydrostatic releases on our life rafts showed that they would not have triggered until they were submerged to below 2200 feet of water. It was assumed by the crew that this was because they were difficult to secure around the rafts without a vicious hammering by the crew to make them click into place. After proving myself a pretty inept sailor, I was sent off to Avionics school to become an aircrew member.

[@ChefLocoLoca]

I've been whatching some videos of yours lately and I have to say that I know very few channels that bring content this valid, especially for maritime accidents which are the ones I'm more interested in. Your videos are the result of amazing work, I love them! Thank you so much

[@steamedhamlet]

Every little detail is interesting to me. Especially the way you present it. Please go in to all the maritime weeds!

[@bchadaway7469]

Thanks for this. I was 16 years old and living in my home town of St. Pete when this happened and when the Skyway Bridge disaster occurred, a few months later. It seemed like Tampa Bay was cursed. One detail I remember from the aftermath of the Blackthorn disaster was from when the ship was raised. A reporter commented that the smell of death that escaped from the air pockets in her hull overwhelmed nearby observers. I dove the wreck in the early 80s and it was already teeming with sea life. It's amazing how quickly the ocean claims what was once ours.

[@fiona8230]

This is my fourth time watching this because I keep falling asleep- not because it’s boring but you have the perfect voice timbre to soothe a third-shift worker! Hope it gives you a boost!

[@michaelm1965]

I live eight miles from the USCGC Blackthorn Memorial and visit this site often to pay my respect to all that lost their lives and to the people that still suffer. If you wish to visit this memorial it is located on the western side just before the approach of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge heading south to Sarasota, and if you wish to visit the crash site by vessel these are the coordinates; Pinellas #2: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter "Blackthorn"27º - 52.598 N

[@sauceman8217]

Wow... I actually visited the Blackthorn Memorial on several occasions before this video. (I live in Bradenton, so I stop there sometimes if traveling north) It's a peaceful site with a very nice view, despite it being a relatively busy rest stop. I personally think It's a worthy location to honor such a tragedy.

[@sk.1069]

You have done an amazing job with putting this documentary video together about The Coast Guards "The Blackthorn"! I learned about this disaster when I first started to learn about The Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster. I didn't know about that disaster until I saw the bridge for the first time when on vacation in 2009 or 2010. In my opinion this video is very well researched & put together extremely well! Well done sir!