28-01-2025
Memorial service honors fallen Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn crew
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A memorial service is being held Tuesday morning to honor the fallen Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn crew, 45 years after the deadly collision with another vessel.
On Jan. 28, 1980, 23 Blackthorn crewmembers were killed after their ship and the motor vessel Capricorn collided near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
The ceremony is being held at the Blackthorn Memorial Site in St. Petersburg and will include a wreath-laying by Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, representing each lost soul. A gun salute, laying of roses, and official comments from commanders and the Captain.
The President of the Coast Guard Foundation, Susan Ludwig, will address the foundation's support for the rebuilding of the Blackthorn Memorial.
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