FACT SHEET
U.S. Coast Guard Group Galveston
P.O. Box 1912
Galveston, Texas 77553
(409)766-5620
COAST GUARD CUTTER BLACKTHORN (WAGL-391)
25TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
Jan. 28 marks the 25th anniversary of a tragic event, the sinking of the Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn (WAGL-391).
The Blackthorn was a 180-foot buoy tender home ported in Galveston, Texas from 1976 to 1980. Blackthorn’s primary mission was to set and repair aids to navigation on navigable waterways along the Texas and Louisiana coast. Shortly after having completed an extensive overhaul in a shipyard in Tampa, Fla. On the night of Jan. 28, 1980, the Blackthorn was departing Tampa Bay to return to Galveston when it collided with the tanker Capricorn. During the collision, the cutter became entangled in the Capricorn’s anchor. The anchor imbedded in the cutter’s hull, ripped open the port side, and as the anchor chain became taut the Blackthorn capsized. Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished, the worst peacetime loss of life in Coast Guard history.
As a result of the report of investigation of this event, the Coast Guard instituted many far-reaching policies and procedures with a renewed focus on maritime safety.
To mark the 25th anniversary of this tragic event, Coast Guard Base Galveston and the Galveston Chief Petty Officer's Association have planned numerous ceremonies to honor those who perished. The events will include prayers, a presentation of colors by the Coast Guard Base Color Guard, the traditional "two-bell" service where each crewmember's name will be read from the crew's list while a ship's bell tolls twice in their memory; a wreath-laying ceremony from pre-positioned Coast Guard cutters in Galveston Bay, a bag piper, a 21-gun salute, the playing of "Taps" and an aircraft flyover from Coast Guard Air Station Houston. Also, photographs and other memorabilia of the Cutter Blackthorn will be on display.
-USCG-
For additional information: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g%2Dcp/history/webcutters/blackthorn%5F1943.html
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