A British diving expedition has uncovered the underwater remains of a US Coast Guard ship that met its tragic end during World War I, taking the lives of all 131 people aboard, as confirmed by officials.
The wreck of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa was discovered resting 300 feet beneath the waves, approximately 50 miles off the coast of Cornwall. It was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1918, according to a maritime agency press release issued this week.
Admiral Kevin Lunday, a commander with the Coast Guard, reflected on the historical significance, stating, “Since 1790, the Coast Guard has been a steadfast defender in every armed conflict in American history. The bravery and sacrifice of the crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa exemplify this legacy.”
“The loss of the Tampa and her crew in 1918 has left a lasting sorrow within our service,” he continued. “Finding the wreckage reaffirms our connection to their sacrifice and serves as a poignant reminder that our duty and devotion are enduring. We honor their memory and carry their spirit as we continue to defend the United States.”
The Tampa, constructed in 1912, was destroyed by a torpedo on September 26, 1918. The disaster claimed the lives of 111 Coast Guard personnel, 16 British Navy members and civilians, and four US Navy officers.
As a steam-powered cutter, the Tampa was part of a wartime convoy but departed to refuel in Wales after running low on coal. Just four hours later, it was targeted by the German submarine UB-91 and sank with all hands on board, as detailed in the Coast Guard’s 48-page historical document, “Remember The Tampa.”
The final resting place of the sunken ship remained a mystery for over a century.
The British all-volunteer dive team Gasperados first contacted the guard in 2023, when the drew launched an extensive search for the wreckage of the doomed ship — with the remains found after three years.
“We provided the dive team with historical records and technical data to assist in confirming the wreck site,” Coast Guard Atlantic Area Historia William Thiesen said. “This included the archival images of the deck fittings, ship’s wheel, bell , weaponry, and archival images of the Tampa.”
