12203. (photo) Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn (WLB-391) c.1990
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12203. (photo) Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn (WLB-391) c.1990
12203. (photo) Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn (WLB-391) c.1990. Clear, close original 5” x 7” press photo shows great detail of the Blackthorn as she is scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico following a deadly collision. The USCGC Blackthorn was a 180-foot sea-going buoy tender which sank in 1980 in a tragic collision in Tampa Bay. Shortly after the collision, Blackthorn capsized, killing 23 of her crew. The cutter was raised for the investigation, but ultimately was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. It currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. It is worthy to note that in 2000, Seaman William “Billy” Flores of Fort Worth, Texas, was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service’s highest award for heroism in peacetime. SN Flores, who had been out of boot camp just one year, opened the life jacket locker as the Blackthorn capsized, securing its hatch open with his belt, and made sure that his shipmates were able to access and use the life jackets. His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. His heroic role was initially overlooked by the two official reports, but he was later given the recognition he deserved. His family was presented with the Medal on January 28, 2000, the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. In October 2010, it was announced that the third new “Sentinel” class fast response cutter, a 154 foot patrol boat, would be named for Seaman Flores. Photo is b/w and includes date and description on back. Dated March 1, 1929. Clear, close view, light edge and corner wear. Rare view. (VG). $34.