USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391)

[Bilgerat]

On 28 January, 1980 the Cutter Blackthorn (a 180 ft Buoy tender) while leaving Tampa Bay Florida collided with the tanker SS Capricorn.

Shortly after, the Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew.

She was later raised for an investigation, but ultimately was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete.

She now serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing.





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTJ82d-IA3I

[Elessar]

The sinking of the Blackthorn and of the Cuyahoga in Oct 1978, caused some sweeping changes throughout the fleet.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USCGC_Cuyahoga_(WIX-157)

Prior to the Cuyahoga incident, it was common to stow lifejackets below decks. The investigation on this sinking determined
that lifejackets floated free, only to block egress by persons trapped in the hull. It was mandated that crew lifejackets would be
stowed in weatherdeck lockers.

Lt Cdr James Loy (future Commandant) responded to a CGHQ order to create new Survival Swimming curriculum for all
entry level training centers. Loy was the school chief of Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, VA. Myself and another
Seaman instructor in the gymnasium there submitted the rough drafts of that training to Lt CDR Loy, which were edited and
adopted by CGHQ.

Lt CDR Loy was awarded a medal (which one I cannot recall) for this curriculum. Don and I were given a day of Liberty!:laugh: