Long-Lost Shipwreck Killed Over 100 U.S. Military Members. Now Divers Have Finally Found the Wreckage

**Historic Wreck of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa Discovered Off Cornwall**

After a meticulous three-year search, a British diving team has identified the wreckage of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, which sank during the First World War after being struck by a German torpedo. The discovery was announced on social media by the Gasperados diving group, who found the vessel approximately 50 miles off the coast of Cornwall, England, resting at a depth of over 300 feet in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Coast Guard Cutter Tampa met a tragic fate on the night of September 26, 1918, as it was assailed in the Bristol Channel. The torpedo’s impact resulted in the vessel disappearing beneath the waves in a matter of minutes, taking with it all 111 crew members, along with 19 Royal Navy sailors, civilians, and U.S. Navy personnel. This disaster is marked in history as the largest loss of life on any U.S. combat vessel during the Great War.

Steve Mortimer, the leader of the Gasperados team, expressed his relief and excitement at the discovery, stating, “We finally cracked it. Made up!” He elaborated on the arduous journey leading up to the find, explaining that this process involved three years of intense research and exploration. Mortimer highlighted the importance of this discovery not only for historical reasons but also for the families of those who perished, as their final resting place has now been confirmed.

Commanded by Captain Charles Satterlee, Tampa was notable for being the only U.S. Coast Guard cutter that did not return after its deployment in the summer of 1917, when several vessels were sent overseas for military service. In the time leading up to its sinking, the ship’s logs reflected a crew that was in good spirits, a stark contrast to the devastating outcome that would unfold that fateful night.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, U.S. destroyers and British patrol crafts rallied to search for survivors, but they were only able to recover scattered debris and two unidentified bodies in naval attire. This failure to locate any more survivors contributed to a profound sense of grief that lingered within the Coast Guard community, as noted by Admiral Kevin Lunday, the current commandant of the Coast Guard.

“The loss of the Tampa in 1918 created a lasting sorrow within our service,” remarked Admiral Lunday in a recent statement regarding the discovery. He expressed that finding the wreck serves to connect the present to the sacrifices made by those lost at sea, and serves as a poignant reminder of their enduring devotion to duty. “We will always remember them,” he added, reinforcing the commitment to honouring their legacy.

Following the discovery, the Coast Guard is now formulating plans for further underwater research and exploration of the Tampa’s wreck site. This initiative will involve collaboration with historians, robotic and autonomous systems experts, and specialised dive teams, enabling a comprehensive study of the site. This effort aims not only to gather information about the vessel itself but also to pay homage to the individuals who lost their lives during this dark chapter of history.

With this significant find finally revealing the location of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, the hope is that it will provide closure to the descendants of those who perished, while simultaneously contributing to the broader historical understanding of maritime conflicts during the First World War. The legacy of the Tampa and its crew will undoubtedly remain an integral part of both U.S. Coast Guard history and the collective memory of the sacrifices made during the war.

In the coming months, more discoveries may develop from this latest find, shedding further light on the events surrounding the sinking and honouring those who served. As the dive teams prepare, their work will not only aim to preserve the historical significance of the wreck but also to ensure that the memories of those who served aboard the Cutter Tampa continue to be acknowledged and cherished.