Discovering the Lost Legacy: The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tampa Unearthed by Gasperados
The original U.S. Coast Guard Cutter "Tampa," which sank over a century ago, has been discovered by the British diving team Gasperados. The wreckage of the ship was found 300 feet deep in the Atlantic Ocean, 50 miles off Newquay in Cornwall, United Kingdom. Originally named the "Miami" in 1912, the Revenue cutter was later renamed to "Tampa" in connection to Gasparilla, the city's renowned pirate-themed celebration. The ship's crew took part in the 1915 Gasparilla parade, and the officers attended the Coronation Ball. In February 1917, the "Miami" was officially renamed to "Tampa."
Tragically, the "Tampa" was torpedoed by a German submarine in the Bristol Channel in 1918, resulting in the loss of all 131 individuals on board, including Coast Guardsmen, Navy personnel, and British Navy personnel and civilians. This incident marked the largest loss of life during American naval combat in World War I. Adm. Kevin Lunday, the commandant of the Coast Guard, paid tribute to the crew's courage and sacrifice, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa's crew.
The Gasperados team collaborated with the USCG in the search for the "Tampa" wreck since 2023. Dr. William Thiesen, Coast Guard Atlantic Area Historian, provided historical records and technical data to assist the dive team in confirming the wreck site. This included archival images of the ship's deck fittings, wheel, bell, weaponry, and the "Tampa" itself. The discovery of the wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the crew's dedication to duty and sacrifice, ensuring that their spirit lives on in the defense of the United States.
In conclusion, the finding of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter "Tampa" by the Gasperados team is a significant historical discovery that honors the memory of the crew who perished in service. The wreckage's location deep in the Atlantic Ocean serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I and the enduring legacy of the Coast Guard's commitment to defending the nation.