On the evening of January 28, 1980 the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn was leaving Tampa Bay when it collided with the SS Capricorn, killing 23 Coast Guardsman.
(This episode was oiginally released in January of 2023.)
On the evening of January 28, 1980 the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn was leaving Tampa Bay on its way to its home base in Galveston, Texas. It was a cool, calm, and pleasant night as the Blackthorn headed out. At the same time, the SS Capricorn was inbound to the bay. Through a series of missteps and miscommunications, the Blackthorn and Capricorn collided almost head-on, killing 23 Coast Guardsmen. Rich's wife Dawn joins the show again as a guest.
For photos and sources related to this episode please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2023/01/24/the-uscgc-blackthorn/.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
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