The wreckage of a United States Coast Guard vessel that was lost during a deadly attack in World War I has been found off the coast of England, more than a century after it sank. The discovery was announced on Wednesday by the Coast Guard, which confirmed that the USCGC Tampa was located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometres) from Newquay, Cornwall, in the United Kingdom. The cutter rests at a depth exceeding 300 feet (90 metres) in the Atlantic Ocean.
Discovery by British Dive Team
The wreck was located and identified by Gasperados, a British technical-diving team. The all-volunteer group conducted ten expeditions to potential dive sites before pinpointing the Tampa. Team leader Steve Mortimer shared on Facebook that the discovery was the culmination of three years of dedicated research and exploration. He emphasised the significance of the find for the United States and the relatives of those who perished, noting that their final resting place is now known.
The Coast Guard Historian's Office was first contacted by the dive team in 2023. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Historian William Thiesen stated that the team provided historical records and technical data to assist in confirming the wreck site. This included archival images of deck fittings, the ship's wheel, bell, weaponry, and other identifying features.
The Loss of the Tampa
The USCGC Tampa was lost after being torpedoed by a German submarine in the Bristol Channel. The vessel sank in less than three minutes, resulting in the deaths of all 131 people aboard. This included 111 Coast Guardsmen, four U.S. Navy personnel, and 16 British Navy personnel and civilians. It stands as the largest single American naval combat loss of life during World War I.
Admiral Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard, reflected on the tragedy, stating that the courage and sacrifice of the Tampa's crew epitomise the service's legacy. He noted that the Coast Guard has defended the United States in every armed conflict since its founding in 1790. “When the Tampa was lost with all hands in 1918, it left an enduring grief in our service,” Lunday said. “Locating the wreck connects us to their sacrifice and reminds us that devotion to duty endures.”
Future Plans
The Coast Guard is now developing plans for underwater research and exploration of the site. The discovery not only honours the memory of those lost but also provides a tangible link to a pivotal moment in maritime and military history.
