The USCGC Blackthorn Collision

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Attention all hands! I now have merch! My channel artist has made up some merch on her teepublic. All funds go to paying her for the wonderful work she does. So if you want to show your support for the channel and the great art she does, pick something up! www.teepublic.com/user/dragonrise_studio/albums/146205-maritime-horrors

[@BrettonFerguson]

Laconia Incident, oh and Battle of May Island. In case you need ideas. Great Channel BTW.

[@aprylrittenhouse4562]

I just started listening to these tales. Im horrified yet relieved to know there are still true human beings on our planet. Youve got yourself a subscriber. Keep up the good work.

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

New sub here... Your channel rocks! Well done!

[@niagra898]

Dude ya need to chill on selling shit.

[@BrettonFerguson]

@@niagra898 What's wrong with him trying to sell shit and make money? He isn't forcing you to buy it. Do you want to send him cash and he won't have to sell crap, or you could just pay all his bills for him so he can focus full time to making videos. I sure as shit don't want to pay to watch these videos. If he can sell merch to someone who likes it, and as a result I can watch free videos, it's fine with me if there is a merch link in the comments. It's also better than a 4 minute "sponsored by raid shadow legends" or "Nord VPN" bullshit ad in the middle of the video.

[@dannyspanks]

My dad (Rondal Litterell) was one of the survivors of the Blackthorn. He is mentioned in this video. He's the one who saw the anchor in the Blackthorn's side. He is alive and well. He and my family always have, and always will, honor and remember those who lost their lives on that night. Thank you for doing the same.

[@PacificExpressions]

How’d you come across this video?

[@dannyspanks]

@@PacificExpressions The Blackthorn was on my mind. I don't remember exactly why. But it was a major event in my family's life, so it crosses our mind often.

[@PC1011]

I wish your father a peaceful mind from what he seen and experienced. Also very respectful of you and your family to still show respects. I wish your family well in the future.

[@williamkoenig7399]

God bless your dad and all Coasties!

[@OGDeepStroke]

Respect to the King.

[@joereedmusic9853]

I served aboard the Blackthorn while stationed in Galveston after the decommissioning of the cutter Gentian when the Blackthorn replaced her. After about 6 months I was transferred to Search and Rescue at Base Galveston. I left the service in March 1978. Many of the men I served with aboard both the Gentian and Blackthorn were lost when the Blackthorn sank in Tampa Bay. To this day it's still a great loss for me. Very good documentary, thank you for sharing.

[@amyproudfoot6611]

Thank you for your service to our country 🇺🇸 God bless the families & friends of all lost on the Blackthorn! I know they were like family to you🇺🇸 my son is serving in USCG and is stationed in Galveston ➕ his fellow coasties are like brothers to him 🇺🇸 they look out for each other day in and day out. Semper Paratus sir 🇺🇸

[@dannyspanks]

My dad (Rondal Litterell) also served on the Gentian and was one of the survivors of the Blackthorn. He is mentioned in this video. He's the one who saw the anchor in the Blackthorn's side. He is alive and well. He and my family always have, and always will, honor and remember those who lost their lives on that night. Thank you for your comment and for your service.

[@joereedmusic9853]

@@dannyspanks I knew your Dad pretty well when we served together, it was an Honor to serve with him. Please say hello to him and give him my warmest regard.

[@dannyspanks]

@@joereedmusic9853 Wow! Thanks for the response! I will definitely pass that along to him. The internet can be kinda cool sometimes :)

[@WolfWelder69]

@@dannyspanks that's so cool! Tell me what happens!

[@toddperry9860]

I was one of the divers that photographed the stern rudder indicator and removed one body a day later. Such a sad time.

[@crf80fdarkdays]

Sorry you had to witness such horrors, much respect

[@DimitrisKalandranisArt]

In the end, I had tears for the last young man, Mr Flores. A huge respect to his parents for making such a wonderful kid.

[@Seven_Leaf]

Bravery is often half a step away from stupidity. He should’ve never went down into the ship after the majority got out.

[@DimitrisKalandranisArt]

@@Seven_Leaf Maybe, but who is to judge that really? We have rationalised everything so much, that has become useless to do anything. "Blessed are those with humble spirit"....

[@rojofish504]

@@Seven_Leafshut you’re dumb ass up. Sometimes your opinion doesn’t need to be heard

[@CanadianCCP]

@@Seven_Leafbet you think your comment is cool. What kind of loser judges a guy who tried to help as many people as possible?

[@popeye7520]

I was on the USCGC Gentian, a white hull 180 and we always talked about this story. Help us learn from other mistakes.

[@jimrossi7708]

Popeye thank you for your service, I appreciate you and what you did for us !!

[@jgrizbo7531]

Popeye, I was on the Gentians first decommissioning cruise to Curtis Bay CG Yard in 1976, apparently she did not stay decommissioned.

[@popeye7520]

@@jgrizbo7531 wow, that's pretty cool. When I was on board, she was the "Caribbean Support Tender" out mission was to go to other countries and train their Navy and Coast Guard.

[@Wings_of_foam]

@@jimrossi7708 Lol

[@Dad84]

@@jgrizbo7531 I know Curtis Bay well. I was an Army Reserve Cargo Specialist assigned to BD Crane 6801 “Keystone State” just on the other side of the channel. Small world

[@thomastoups3451]

A friend, Charlie Bartell, Jr. was a crewman on that ship the night of the collision. Thankfully, he survived and received a commendation for helping to save the lives of fellow crewmen.

[@stephanieiuliano1654]

My brother died in this accident when I was in high school. Very difficult for my parents. I've been to the Galveston memorial and the Florida one. They are well done. Thanks for this well made video.

[@thnkredd]

Who was your brother? My dad, Jeff Huse, was the Quartermaster. He keeps in touch with multiple other survivors and some families of those lost.

[@stephanieiuliano1654]

@@thnkredd My brother was Jerome (Jerry) Ressler. He may be in touch with my mom, Kathleen. We've been to the memorial ceremonies in Florida and Galveston, Tx.

[@larryclutter994]

I was an electricians mate with Jerome Ressler on the Blackthorn when it sank. While in drydock and standing a lot of boring night duties together, he got me interested in flying and introduced me to books that help learn a lot about aerodynamics. I eventually became an airline pilot after the sinking of the Blackthorn. He sure was a great guy. I went to see his grave at Arlington National Cemetery. He is laid to rest next to 2 others, Ensign Frank Sarna and EM3 Ed Sindelar. Ed was brand new to the ship when we went down.

[@larryclutter994]

@@thnkredd I see Jeff at every Blackthorn reunion. The last words heard from anyone on the ship was Jeff repeating 2 times into the loudspeaker - "NOW ALL HANDS STAND BY FOR COLLISION"!! I remind him of that when I see him.

[@stephanieiuliano1654]

@@larryclutter994 thank you for giving this lovely testimony.

[@John-jc1ig]

My heart aches for our lost sailors. My crew aboard the Legare hated that I demanded excellence during drills. I also expected, within 7 days, for the fire, ventilation and watertight integrity drawings to be original and authenticly completed by newly reported shipments. Thank you for a very respectful documentation of our tragic incident. Semper Paratus

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Oh man... That firemain drawing for the WMEC I was on will still haunt my nightmare. Like drawing an MC Escher painting. But still, demanding perfection in the area of damage control is essential. Glad you enjoyed the video, Shipmate. Semper Paratus.

[@SnowyOwl-qj1hv]

Bet you were a real asshole to work for. Glad I wasn’t one of your “crew”

[@Cjbarker2]

@@SnowyOwl-qj1hv here’s the thing: civilian duties don’t often put lives of other persons in the hands of anyone. Each member is responsible for their own safety and self-preservation. If you don’t know the safety protocol in any given situation, the only one affected is generally you. In the case of men running a complex machine that can fail in a plethora of spectacular ways, they need to all be aware of every safety measure available and how and where they are accessed. Each man on board is responsible for the lives of the men around him. Scoffing at this man’s safety and shipkeeping practices is a sure sign that you don’t understand the concept of being responsible for someone else. It takes a crew to sail, but it only takes one man to sink a ship.

[@Oggy_597]

7 days for all those drawings is absolutely absurd and does literally nothing good for you crew.

[@Oggy_597]

@@Cjbarker2 were you ever on one of those boats?

[@daveostlund3955]

I was in boot camp in 1984. Besides the increased swim test, we had to don a life jacket in less than 30 seconds, or maybe a minute. It sounds easy, but they were the old fashion kapok types with a huge collar and about a million straps, including two straps that came up between your legs. We were told about the Blackthorn, and the stories of the bodies found with their heads through the life jacket arm holes, etc.

[@JoshuaTootell]

We still had to don the same damn things in 1998.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

We were told about the Blackthorn also. The morning after the night it happened which happened to be our first wakeup. Welcome to boot. Jan 1980 Quebec 107.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

Nothing like hitting the water from the high platform with those two straps buoying up your boys, eh?@@JoshuaTootell

[@Lizzyliz7]

My mother’s high school sweetheart and fiancé, DC3 Lawrence D Frye “Danny”, perished on the Blackthorn. They were planning their whole lives together and my mom was going to meet him when the ship made it to its destination. Danny was a swimmer his whole life, his body was recovered on a stairwell, only a couple steps from the deck. He had just turned 21 years old 8 days before the ship sank, my mom was 19.

[@M-Myrtle-R]

I saw the last name Frye near the bottom of the to memorial it posted in the video..pretty crazy I think if I saw the town right it's said Clarksburg or Clarksville or Clark's something lol

[@larryclutter994]

Lawrence got assigned to the Blackthorn not long before the sinking. I remember when he showed up along with another DC Damage Controlman 2nd Class. They both perished that night. I remember them both very well as I was on the ship that night too. It was surreal to say the very least.

[@popeye7520]

Fair winds and following seas to our fallen shipmates.

[@MaritimeHorrors]

The thin blue line continues on, new shipmates will take the watch for them.

[@ericknight2161]

Fair winds and following seas.

[@dustinjohnson6866]

Aye

[@mjc11a]

Amen.

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

I remember when that happened. I lived about 99 miles south of Tampa at the time. A couple of months later -- May 9, 1980 -- the freight ship Summit Venture hit the bridge, sending cars, trucks and a Grayhound bus into the water, killing 35. 1980 wasn't a good year for Tampa. Of course, the date Jan. 28 wasn't a good one for Florida -- in 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on that date, which was an anniversary of the Blackthorn.

[@alevine1951]

Florida - the gift (of horrors) that keeps on giving.

[@fridgeratorsam4042]

In '76 I was stationed in Duluth. A friend I'd been stationed with on the CGC Storis and now also in Duluth transferred to the CGC Glacier. I casually asked him to tell me what the ship was like and toyed with the idea of 'mutualing'- trading duty stations with a like rank and rate- as the ship was heading to Antarctica that late fall. He wasn't there too long when I get a call from a DC3 on the Glacier begging me to mutual with him. Him and his wife were expecting their second child and if he went on that 4 month cruise his wife was going to divorce him. He even offered to pay my expenses, as in a mutual situation one pays their own way to that duty station. I said that wasn't necessary and we traded duty stations. After 2 south trips I got out in spring of '79 and by chance ended up in Duluth late summer that year. I watched the guys from the station play a softball game down on Minnesota point and ended up meeting Dan. I helped the guys finish off a pony keg after the game and talked with Dan for quite a while. A sweetheart of a guy. One of the things I remember him saying that night was in regard to the mutual that I'd saved his life. His next duty station being the Blackthorn. Don't think I didn't 'what if...' all that for a long time. RIP Damage Controlman Second Class Daniel M. Estrada.

[@airplanemaniacgaming7877]

May the winds of the spirit sea fill the sails of the vessel of the fallen, and may the spectral waters be clear and blue to guide them onwards in their journey beyond us.

[@tc1uscg65]

I remember my last ship, the Resolute, on top of JOOD duties, it was required to do an emergency egress training before being qualified to stand independent duty/watch and in port drills. I remember having to wear a OBA mask, tapped up to block visibility. Someone would "walk" you around, up and down ladders, thru hatchways, get spun around, etc.. Then they would say, "find your way out". They turned you loose and away you went. I was the TCIC onboard the Resolute. I had a scuttle leading out of radio to the "mortar deck" (which I called my Steel Beach). We didn't have that on an older 210 I served on, they were added after they did their MMA upgrades. I will say the thought of having to escape out of that hatch and swim to the surface had crossed my mind many times and knowing that being at the top of the ship would put me on the bottom if we rolled over.

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Yea, I did the same thing on board the mighty Alex Haley. All of that came about due to this incident. Very sobering to realize regulations are written in blood. Thank you for your service, Shipmate. Semper Paratus.

[@tc1uscg65]

@@MaritimeHorrors Your welcome and back at you. Didn't mention that while I was on the Resolute, we passed under the Sky Way bridge when going out and returning from patrol a few times. Only spent 14 months on the Res before I retired but 10 of that was U/W. And we were short of OPS 1st classes so I ended up onboard every 3 days as JOOD during our short in port periods. 73's

[@georgeotero4636]

I lived in Tampa at the time. Tampa had a large shrimp fishing fleet. Most boats were privately owned and had limited budget and remembered that the CG started to crack down on these boats because the large number of assistance calls. When this happened, several shrimp boats came to help. This included some that cut their nets to respond quickly. The CG stopped publicly complaining about the fishermen and started a sunset flight to find shrimp boats in need.

[@Patrick_Cooper]

In 1976, under Carter, the Cutter Campbell was a joke. I loved the old ship, but that was the problem an old ship way beyond expiration date. Rust spots through the hull. I saw some with my own eyes, in the officers head... And we spent time in Alaska in 30 foot seas... But the alternative was the flat bottomed Melon class, or what ever it was. Puke inducers for sure...

[@WrenchingWolf92]

My Father was a part of the crew on the Blackthorn, but thankfully wasn't on the ship that day. But he knew a lot of men who where. He took me to the memorial in Galveston when I was about 22. That is the first time I have ever seen my Father tear up. And still the only time.

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Everyone that sailed aboard the Blackthorn were very brave and should be commended for their service. Semper Paratus to your father, shipmate.

[@jimrossi7708]

Your father is a true American hero, I thank him for his service !

[@Zildawolf]

Wait ur here too wtf lol Literally just commented on ur kazuk9 pfp (though it may be citrinelle now that I look at it lol)

[@dannyspanks]

My dad was on it too. One of the lucky survivors.

[@catherinelitterell4578]

One of Donnie's boys?

[@freezinweasle1]

I was attached to the USCGC Sassafras (WLB401) at the time of the Blackthorns accident. We had recently finished REFTRA with her and her crew. The sinking of the Blackthorn really hit home. Thank you for presenting this video for all to see. M. Rossnagel BM1 USCG ret

[@brodieback9030]

There’s a marching cadence about this incident. Specifically SA William Flores called “Your Son Is Gone” and it nearly brought me to tears at boot camp

[@bobbyef100]

Do they actually use it in CG Boot Camp?

[@dmn01]

Excellent stuff, nicely delivered. I raise a glass to Seaman Apprentice Flores.

[@sixft7in]

As a former US Navy sailor, that Coast Guard Medal write-up gave me goosebumps. Flores was amazingly brave!

[@bobbyef100]

Id like to thank you for this. Not many people know about this or wouldn't be interested in actually doing the research. Even after all my own research, I was still able to learn from you! I know the Flores family also very much appreciates that you mention Billy at the end!

[@MaritimeHorrors]

I knew about the Blackthorn from my own time in the USCG. It's tragic how few people know about it. I try to put my due diligence into every vessel I research. Thanks for the support, shipmate.

[@cwstreeper]

I grew up in SE Texas and had the privilege to serve on the CGC Harry Claiborne, based out of Galveston where one of the Blackthorn memorials are. I participated in several memorial services for her crew. Thank you for this one shipmate.

[@53apaulo]

Thank you for posting this story of the Cutter Blackthorn crew. Glad the Guard honored SA William Flores for his courage and selflessness. I served on a buoy tender myself the cutter Tupelo out of Astoria, Oregon on the Columbia River.

[@Harleyever]

Hi Paul...I believe I was on the Tupelo with you....72 to 74 in Astoria....Steve Neumann EM-2

[@deathscthye02]

As a Navy vet I am contractedly obligated to give Coasties a hard time. However stories like these serve as a reminder what we all offered in exchange for our respective services. I would be honored to call SA Flores shipmate for his actions were not only in the highest traditions of the Coast Guard but of our nation as well. RIP shipmate your bore you duty well and stand relieved, we have the watch.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

As a navy guy you should read about seabee skipper of the "Can Do". Its a real eye opener and kind of a kick in the pants to read about the blizzard of 78 in the book "Ten Hours Until Dawn". You get a mix of Marine vietnam purple heart recipient, Navy, and Coast Guard first first responders.

[@pacificblue3955]

I am a proud Coast Guard veteran. One of my units was the 180 fort buoy tender Woodrush WLB 407 in Sitka Alaska. May all my fellow Coast Guard brothers and sisters lost in this tragedy, rest in forever peace.

[@AMCguy]

R.I.P. William Florez your legacy lives on!

[@LopezzT]

Here’s to Seaman Apprentice Flores, a true badass!!!

[@jazzerat]

Well presented! I especially like the subtitles for those unfamiliar with the lingo. I was stationed at Brooklyn Supply and remember the loss with such sadness even now. Not only am I fairly certain I went to boot camp with people who lost their lives that night, my 1st class lost his youngest brother. It hit every one of us like lost family!

[@jwdernehl]

Thank you for shedding light on this tragedy. I actually work with the people who teach new CG command members on proper bridge resource management. They use a combination of classroom and simulator training to prevent events such as this.

[@lteht6919]

I just learned about this incident today and found this video when I wanted more info. Thanks!

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Glad I could help share some information.

[@ernestoherrera2755]

I heard about the story through the Coast Guard cadence your son is gone great cadence mention the act of Flores but didn’t mention him by name I wonder why anyway great story sad though

[@clintonwilson8588]

Your channel is fabulous and very informative. I have loved ships and boats since I was a boy. I do, however, have a dreadful fear of dark water due to a near drowning incident off the coast of Massachusetts when I was about 6 - your opening narratives with the rippling black water chills me every time. I grew up fascinated with the stories of the Titanic; my amazement, joy, yet horror is still with me to this day after Ballard found her in 1985. I joined the Navy from 91-95, coming from a Navy family, and part of me hoped it would help cure me of my fears - it didn't, lol. But reading/listening to/watching history documentaries like this soothe me and my restless soul. I mourn those souls lost, and the losses of so many majestic, charismatic ships.

[@CapnScott]

I remember that day. We were berthed across the dock from the Blackthorn in Galveston. I was excited to see my friends return from the yards. I lost many friends that day.

[@Wreckz_Tea]

This channel is seriously underrated. Glad I stumbled across it

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

My cousin had friends onboard that were killed. When she came to town, I took her to the memorial, located on the north side of the Sunshine Skyway. You can locate it in the southbound rest area.

[@andreww1225]

my grandfather was on the USS Hellena in the Navy durring WW2 . it was sunk by torpedos but he survived on a raft for a few days then was rescued. he still had shrapnel in his leg from the explosion when he died in 2001

[@jamesa7506]

Well done Flores 👏

[@mjc11a]

Semper Paratus. Thank you for posting. Be safe 🙏

[@DracoxRPG]

Amazing story and now it shall be available here for all to hear. Very cool.

[@MaritimeHorrors]

It truly is, I honestly wish more people knew about it. It's quite the story and a lot of brave men gave their lives that day.

[@ernestoherrera2755]

You should listen to the cadence called your son is gone it’s all about the story does it mention Florida still just mentions his actions

[@MaritimeHorrors]

@@ernestoherrera2755 I remember singing that during my time in Cape May.

[@stephendunnahoe8681]

The State of TEXAS awarded SA William Flores USCG the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor as of June 2021

[@Straswa]

Great vid, I found your channel through Diasterthon. RIP to the fallen and condolences to their families.

[@Brandontibbott]

Awesome channel, man! I'm always excited to find new channels like this, I look forward to blazing through some of your content!

[@seansasser2575]

When I was in boot camp of the Drill Instructors was a survivor. He was very passionate about the survival skills regarding abondoning ship and survival in the water.

[@chiefted]

That wouldn't be QMC Miller would it?

[@johnmoran3754]

Served on USCGC Storis WMEC 38 79' to 80'. Went to Boatswain Mate School with a Blackthorn survivor. This survivor was actually a hero reported to have rescued shipmates from the sinking Blackthorn. Semper Paratus.

[@rogue_asami4522]

So Seaman Apprentice William Flores or “Billy” was actually a friend of my Dad’s growing up since they lived in the same area. I remember him telling me the story of how one of his friends died on a Coast Guard ship while young and gave his life for others. He remembers the day he died and his reaction, but also Billy’s parents reaction to the news. Even at the start of this video when I shower him, he recognized the incident and knew it was Billy. He even said there was a service for Billy at his school I think and my Dad couldn’t attend because he was stuck at his school, a different high school than Billy. He still remembers him all these years later. I knew what happened generally to Billy, and that he got a ship named after him, but I didn’t know the specifics until this video.

[@sonnygoode6553]

Excellent video. I really appreciate it. I served aboard the Blackthorn in 1972/73. I was the Yeoman.

[@runninggirl2765]

Thank you for your skill in doing these videos- the editing, presentation and especially, the definitions of terminology used among seaman. I am now definitely hooked on your channel.

[@agilemalinois1602]

Thanks for the info. I was stationed at the air station in Clearwater at the time and got out in March. I never heard the final evaluation of the incident.

[@jgrizbo7531]

Great video. Perhaps the story of USCGC White Alder is on your short list for future projects.

[@murdelabop]

Excellent work. Please do another incident in the mouth of Tampa Bay, the Summit Venture. It collided with the Sunshine Skyway bridge, and brought down the southbound span.

[@DrMatey215]

Tough ass vessel. A real work horse. Excellent, in depth history, synopsis and analysis. I appreciate your work on this

[@stephenbritton9297]

While the whole thing is a sad affair, the story of the "anchor in the shower" had a funny moment to the story. Maybe it's just my dark humor...

[@catherinelitterell4578]

I laughed when my husband told me. He's the one who told about the anchor. The sparks of it embedding in the structure flew into the chief's berthing during the collision where he was sleeping after having a very early morning to prepare for getting under way that evening

[@Harleyever]

Best account of the U.S.C.G.C. Blackthorn I've heard....could you do one on the U.S.C.G.C Tupelo WLB 303 and her tragic end as a fishing vessel ?

[@Brvnkaerv]

My father's old cutter the Woodbine ended her career a s a fishing boat also.

[@MovieMakingMan]

Well done. I hadn’t heard of this tragedy. I would like to have seen the list of those who were lost on that memorial without obstruction. Keep up the great work.

[@stanbodle6410]

Sad situation but great to hear of heroism and tenacity of the sailors.

[@patrickcraig6032]

I remember the night ,news flash when I lived at Mobile AL. I was Main Prop First Class on CGC IRIS,1990-1993.This incident was always in the back of my mind underway.RIP my Brothers.

[@pinwizz69]

I was on duty at Coast Guard Airstation Miami that night as the duty Flight Mech on the duty Sikorski HH52a Seaguard amphib helo. Very shortly after the collision we heard tge launch the ready helo announcement sound. We took off and headed west refueling at Airstation St. Pete then flew body searches till we were bingo fuel. Once back at St. Pete Airstation they had us stand down and wait till dawn for a crew rest period. By morning we were released to return to Miami. It was a sad crew on our return as we'd learned what had happened and had been told not to disseminate what we knew on return to Miami. It weighs heavy on you when you fly a mission like that but can't tell anyone what happened. Later that day I got called in from home to do an in depth debrief. The pilots were there as well and we were having a hard time keeping it together. They made me go to counseling for a couple of days. I couldn't even discuss it with my wife. I had nightmares for years and still do occasionally. I also flew body count missions when the St. Pete Skyway bridge collision collapse. According to VA policy you can only be considered for PTSD if you served in a combat theater. Fbomb the VA civilian disability board. Those ass wipes should be made to watch body search missions where Coazt Guard personnel find bodies that have been in water for multiple days. Believe me, it can be very traumatic. Part of NBC training back then was to watch how to handle bodies you might encounter and the videos included actual footage of incidents involving finding bodies and how to handle corpses. I've never forgotten those experiences.

[@markcameron3110]

How about a story about the USCGC Mesquite? These WLB's have a place in my heart (I was stationed on 2)

[@PronatorTendon]

Well I found the playlist I'm binging tonight

[@randallraker6021]

I was standing radio watch at CG Station Ocean City, Maryland the night of this tragedy. I have never forgotten the loss of this ship and crew.

[@nealmcbealthenavyseal3004]

I just found this channel and even tho we give the coast guard shit, I have mad props for y’all, keep up the great content dude I’ma go binge the rest of your shit

[@bushwackcreek]

I was serving at CG Station Port Aransas, Texas when the Blackthorn went down. I'd been transferred there from the USCGC Planetree, which was also a 180 foot buoy tender, so I knew the layout of the ship and her operations. I lost a friend from bootcamp aboard Blackthorn. Gary Crumley was a great fellow and a gifted musician that was serving as Oscar (ceremonial) company admin. By some twist of fate, he went to Quartermaster School after I did. I saw Blackthorn transiting the Corpus Christi Ship Channel a couple of times, not knowing he was aboard her and being too busy with coastal Search and Rescue operations to take the trip to even go aboard a sistership of the one I'd served aboard in Alaska. From the incident report, I understand that Gary was in after steering at the time of the collision, a station I'd manned many times while on sea and anchor or mooring detail so I know the drill. Why anyone was off duty (taking a shower?) while the ship was leaving port is beyond my comprehension and wasn't part of my ship's standing orders at any time. Reading the incident report it became obvious to me that the Captain deserved total blame for the collision for dereliction of duty. Serving aboard a 180 or Black Hull for the time I did... I saved or assisted in saving my ship 3 times from sinking or serious damage due to command incompetence. I left the ship as an E-5 and turned down an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy as I'd "already been to boot camp".

[@SB-129]

"Where the fuck did he come from!?" That's got to be a scary thing to hear, but not as much as having a fucking anchor bust into your shower time.

[@user-tp1bi6of3v]

APWD = A Presentation Well Done. Like your videos. very much. You probably heard about the Halifax collision of two ships and resulting explosion: SS Mont Blanc and the Norwegian ship, SS Imo. Please do a video on that. Thanks

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Oh most certainly, that's on the list. But that'll take some doing. It's a big topic.

[@privatepilot4064]

Excellent episode!

[@SierraTangoGuns]

"Climbed *down* toward the *upper* decks." That's terrifying to even hear or think about.

[@joerogers9413]

Coast Guard 92-96. USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717.) Subscribed! 🙂👍

[@cwstreeper]

Hey shipmate! I served aboard the Mighty Warship Mellon from 2002-2005.

[@joerogers9413]

@@cwstreeper Hi, shipmate! 👋🙂

[@ralphlee6386]

USCGC Comanche (WMEC 292) 1979, USCGC Munro (WHEC 724) 1981-1982 (STSN, ST 3), USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC 722) 1982-1984 (ST3 - ST2 frocked) then PacArea Ops.

[@chuckgladfelter]

I was in the Coast Guard at the time and remember this. I was stationed as an Aviation Structural Mechanic E-3, E-4 at CGAS Savannah, GA.

[@ralphlee6386]

Thanks for the video, mate!

[@grayghost1423]

I had just graduated Boot Camp and was in MKA School in Yorktown, VA. In 1986 I dove on the wreck where it was a artificial reef. I reflected on the tragic loss of life and still do to this day. Such a tragedy.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

I was right behind you in Quebec 107. First wake up we got "word" of the prior night's sinking from our CCs. Scary how the birth dates on the memorial are so close to ours.

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

Whenever I get a chance and I'm on the Skyway I will stop by and salute Billy. I'm a Coast guard veteran myself, and I saw some tragic things in my career as well.

[@miapdx503]

One thing I've learned from tragedies, such as maritime disasters, is that it's a defining moment. Some people become brave and selfless. Others become cowardly. We never know until we're tested...don't judge unless you've been in such a position. Fear is a powerful emotion. God bless those who put out to sea. I keep you all in my prayers. I wish you calm seas and good fortune. 🌹⚓

[@Brvnkaerv]

My father commanded the cutter Woodbine before I was born. She was stationed in Grand Haven, Michigan. Was the Woodbine and the Blackthorn sister ships? I used to run a small LeBlond lathe that I was told was Salvaged from the Blackthorn wreck. That lathe shocked my boss, electrically shortly after we installed it at the shipyard in Tampa where I worked. I was also injured on my right hand while running that machine. It was my mistake. Later I worked for a company that did repairs on Coast Guard cutters in St. Petersburgh Florida. I remember the Coasties going to a memorial service on the anniversary of the tragedy.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Woodbine was in the same class, yes. There were quite a few 180's.

[@marknorthrup1744]

I was Ops 81-83 on SUNDEW (Duluth) and XO 88-90 on PLANETREE (Ketchikan). Survived a bad holing in Wrangle Narrows and know that only by vigilance and drill did we survive many very close calls. Lessons learned from the BLACKTHORN saved my crew.

[@jamesj.myersjr.4778]

I remember seeing a video of the Planetree incident in DC A school. I believe one of the instructors was a crewmember at the time. Scary stuff!

[@marknorthrup1744]

@@jamesj.myersjr.4778 James, I didn’t know that. Maybe some good came out of that accident. I still wake up every morning thinking of it, wtf? I’ll never figure out why the skipper had the most inexperienced conning officer drive that dark night at max tide current without special sea detail in Wrangle Narrows no less! And then he sent me below for objecting “lay below XO for being excitable”. Well ya! Five minutes later the shipped ripped open.

[@OlOleander]

I was in the middle of typing a comment about SA Flores, thinking he had been left out of the video, when you brought him up. The Coast Guard has a cadence about Flores for recruits when marching, titled "Your Son is Gone."

[@davidmac4555]

Would love to see a video about the eastland disaster, it went down on the Chicago river. One of the worst disasters in us history

[@williamkoenig7399]

Have you heard Tom Kastle’s song? There is also a great book about the Eastland.

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

An excellent coherent and informative video that is much appreciated. However I needs must broach one issue: the on-screen text is very difficult to read, especially the text that is either in white outline or in red. If the text was fully white, against the B&W background, I believe it would be much easier to read. Basically what is needed is an increase in contrast however it might be achieved. Black text o'er a dark background doesn't work well just as white text 'gainst a bright background doesn't. Can the overlay be automated with contrast in mind? Replaying text numerous times in order to take in the content is time consuming, repetitive and only partly successful. Again, I fully enjoyed the video but I believe that the experience can be improved. Thank you for the upload!

[@cw9790]

I was a Coastie stationed on the USCCGC Sweetgum (WLB-309) in Mobile, AL. It looked exactly like the Hawthorne and also built around the same time in the Great Lakes. I was part of the decommissioning crew (2002) and the Sweetgum was replaced by the USCGC Cypress. So this story kind of hits close to home...

[@GTFF]

Sounds like a similar story to the Cuyahoga collision back from the 70s in Chesapeake

[@kscorp5176]

Excllent - a very informative vid.

[@larryready9117]

R.I.P. brothers !! LBR, SALVIA (wlb-400)

[@TheLogicman1]

This is an awesome channel

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Very much obliged, shipmate. Thank you

[@DeborahRosen99]

Mad respect to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard from this Navy Sailor. A day in the life of the average Coast Guard Sailor makes life in the Navy look like a day at a steel beach.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

Frank Quirk former seabee and skipper of the pilot boat Can Do has mad respect from Coasties. RIP Frank, Charlie and the rest of the crew that answered the call during the blizzard of 78. A pilot boat skipper like Frank would have been invaluable here.

[@vanringo]

I remember there was a Coast Guard ship that was lost that was at Galveston. I thought it was something to do with an issue going to or from an issue with an oil rig back then.

[@lukycharms9970]

I always wonder who are the people that downvote videos like this...

[@jeffmilroy9345]

People who have not rode a squall in a 41 footer banging through 21 foot seas on a SAR run.

[@jonathanhurley4055]

I lived/grew up in Sarasota, Fl. I remember this like it was yesterday. I crossed the Skyway on a regular basis. Remember when it was only 2 lanes, then they built an identical bridge adjacent to it, making it 4 lane. There had been ongoing talk in the entire "SunCoast" community of how dangerous the entire set-up was . The narrow channel, the turn that had to be made. It meant...NO MISTAKES...or ELSE! Sure enough, in a 5 month period, we lost a Coast Guard buoytender and 23 young men, then the entire southbound bridge to the Summit Venture colliding with the support for 35 dead. It still, to this day, 44 years later, makes me cry. i am 73, was 29 when the accidents happened. Sad then, sad now. I have crossed all those bridges thousands of times in my life. I have even sailed under the bridge....NEVER in the main channel....still so dangerous. The channel is still narrow, the depth is still marginal, the turn is still there. But the fckng BRIDGE...oh yeah ...the BRIDGE...yeah ..it's got protection. Never mind that the bridge had nothing to do with the Blackthorn. That was the channel. The channel caused the Blackthorn, the channel contributed GREATLY to the bridge being destroyed. But there it is ... still there. Still making trouble. Oh they have sensors and satellites and buoys and every cpla minutes it's broadcast.... but the channel...still there. Narrow, shallow, and a turn before the transit under the bridge.

[@cameronbooker445]

What a versatile hull, so neat a vessel to perform so many duties for so many years. So glad you explained its history because my first question seeing the draft board drawing of this was, what kind of ship is this, that would be in coast guard service? Much respect, an uncle is a former career coastguardsman and I grew up meeting reservists and retirees on lakes in N.M. in the 80s

[@ralphlee6386]

They were great as buoy snatchers, but too slow and deep drafted for effective use as WMECs (Medium Endurance Cutters) as the refit of USCGC CLOVER (WLB 202 - WMEC 202) proved. Homeported out of Eureka, Ca as a WMEC, it was 2 knots slower than USCGC Comanche (WMEC 292 - my first boat), and unlike Comanche, could only leave port at high tide, due to the shallow and shifting channel out of Humboldt Bay.

[@unmik1422]

Thanks for posting this video

[@frankmarcia5956]

the Blackthorn was never a part of the US lighthouse service. the Lighthouse service became a part of the US Coast Guard in 1939.

[@diggerfan9319]

I like to see a video on the Summit Venture, the ship that hit the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge right near where the Blackthorn sank and made a portion of the bridge collapse just less than 5 months later on May 9, 1980.

[@dalewilson8476]

I served aboard the Iris 395 out of Astoria Oregon

[@BA-gn3qb]

"It's time you learned to navigate through a narrow area, busy with traffic, and in the dark." Recipe for disaster.

[@brentsmith5647]

Brilliant video thank you 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@tankacebo9128]

I grew up hearing stories about this wreck, I fished off the skyway one or twice a week growing up.

[@davidgordon4156]

I was in boot camp in Alameda at the time of this incident. We heard about. Training at that time became very important. "Donning the Mae West vest" became a must pass. I served on CG Cutter Melon, White Pine and Campbell.

[@jimrossi7708]

R.I.P. to all the deceased women and men and to a true American hero Mr William R. Flores, may those who follow you into the USCG learn what true bravery is, may you Rest In Peace ✌🏻 !!

[@AmpcatProductions]

On the subject of Tampa Bay...would you ever do a video on the Summit Venture or the original Sunshine Skyway? I mean I realize that would be kind of out there for the subjects you cover but I'd be interested on what you'd have to say on it

[@dianamoody7251]

So sad. I worked for the CG for thirteen years, I don’t remember this. Thanks.

[@Danger-Dave]

Dove the Blackthorn wreck many times in the late 80's early 90's and never knew the full story till now.... RIP crew. My Aunt Lived in Duluth where she was built and we used to love to watch the ships come and go and listen to the fog horn blow off the point while lying in bed at night.

[@malinbarnes]

Also! The gymnasium at training center cape May, the location of coast guard boot camp, is named after SA William Flores. A great coast guard hero

[@mauricedavis8261]

Damn good stuff!!!🙏👍😎

[@maercyme61]

I was a recruit in Alameda then...fired three volleys over the grave of one of her dead (I wish I could remember his name). A sobering moment for a recruit just finishing Basic training: "This isn't a game."